TENNYSON'S 
IDYLLS   OF  THE  KING 


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ALFRED  LORD  TENNYSON. 


TENNYSON'S 
IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 


EDITED  WITH   INTRODUCTION   AND  NOTES 
BY 

WILLIAM   T.   VLYMEN,   Ph.D. 

PRINCIPAL   OF   THE    EASTERN   DISTRICT   HIGH   SCHOOL 
BROOKLYN,   N.Y. 


THE    MACMILLAN    COMPANY 

LONDON:  MACMILLAN  &  CO. 

1909 

All  ri'ihtfi  resented 


COPTRTGHT,   1901, 

By  the  macmillax  company. 


Set  up  and  electrotyped  April,  1901.      Reprinted   Mardl- 
August,  1902;  April,  October,  1903;   April,  October,  1904; 
March,  August,  1905  ;  January.  July,  1906;  January, October. 
1907  ;   March,  July,  1908  ;   January,  1909. 


CONTENTS  "^^/^  "^"^  ^  '^"^^ 


axtroductiox  : 

PAGE 

Life  of  Tennyson vii 

Idylls  of  the  King xiii 

Idylls  of  the  King  : 

The  Coming  of  Arthur 1 

Gareth  and  Lynette .  18 

The  Marriage  of  Geraint Go 

Geraint  and  Enid      ...         o        ....  80 

Lancelot  and  Elaine 110 

The  Holy  Grail 163 

The  Last  Tournament 192 

Guinevere 216 

The  Passing  of  Arthur 288 

Notes 253 

IxDEx  TO  Notes 315 


IxXTRODUCTION 


ALFEED,   LOKD   TEXXYSOX 

The  life  of  the  poet  Tennyson  offers  none  of  the  pictu- 
resque irregularities  that  lend  a  melodramatic  flavor  to 
the  biographies  of  so  many  of  the  great  poets.  The  lack 
of  balance  underlying  the  eccentricities,  the  foibles,  the 
weaknesses  of  many  men  of  genius  had  no  part  in  that 
noble,  well-poised  nature.  The  stream  of  his  life  moved 
on  tranquilly  in  its  broad,  deep  channel,  pursuing  to 
the  end  the  "even  tenor  of  its  way.*'  The  chronicle 
of  his  outer  life  is  singularly  simple ;  the  great  events 
were  all  of  the  inner  life  —  of  the  emotions  or  the 
intellect. 

Born  in  1809,  in  the  quiet  rectory  of  Soraersby  in  Lin- 
colnshire, Alfred  Tennyson  lived  the  normal  healthy  life 
of  the  sturdy  English  boy,  building  up  the  strong  body 
and  the  great  frame,  which  were  his  heritage,  at  the 
same  time  that  he  was  unconsciously  assimilating  the 
scholarly  and  poetic  influences  of  his  home.  The  poetic 
instinct  seems  to  have  shown  itself  very  early.  He  says 
of  himself:    "Before  I  could  read  I  was  in   the  habit, 


Vlll  IN  TROD  UCTION 

on  a  stormy  day,  of  spreading  my  arms  to  the  wind 
and  crying  out,  'I  hear  a  voice  that's  speaking  in  the 
wind.'"  And  again:  "According  to  the  best  of  my 
recollection,  when  I  was  about  eight  years  old  I  covered 
two  sides  of  a  slate  with  Thomsonian  blank  verse  in 
praise  of  flowers."  When  he  was  ten  years  old  he  wrote 
hundreds  of  lines  in  imitation  of  the  metres  of  Pope,  and 
so  nice  was  his  ear  that  even  then  he  rarely  made  a  false 
metre. 

At  twelve,  Tennyson  went  with  his  brother  Frederick 
to  the  Grammar  School  at  Louth,  where  he  remained 
four  years.  On  his  return  to  Somersby  he  prepared  for 
college  under  his  father's  tui^orship,  and  in  1828,  with 
Frederick,  entered  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  At  Cam- 
bridge Tennyson  was  the  centre  of  a  group  of  earnest, 
gifted  young  men,  most  of  whom  became  distinguished 
in  later  life.  Here  he  formed  many  of  the  strong  per- 
sonal and  intellectual  friendships  which  enriched  his  life. 
Among  his  college  intimates  were  Spedding,  Thackeray, 
Fitzgerald,  the  translator  of  the  Ruhaiyat,  Trench,  Helps, 
Hallam,  Merivale,  and  others,  most  of  whom  belonged, 
with  Tennyson,  to  the  notable  circle  of  the  "  Apostles." 
In  this  enthusiastic  coterie  Tennyson's  early  poems  were 
handed  about,  recited,  and  discussed;  in  this  period  he 
gained  the  Chancellor's  medal  by  his  poem  of  Timbuctoo; 
and,  long  after  he  left  college,  his  new  ]3oems  were 
eagerly  sought  for  by  his  Cambridge  friends.  Never 
had  man  more  devoted  or  more  admiring  friends  than 
Tennyson.      In  college  there  were  many  who  believed 


LIFE    OF    TENNYSON  iX 

that  he  was  destined  for  a  great  future.  Arthur  Hal- 
lam  "looked  up  to  him  as  a  great  poet  and  an  elder 
brother " ;  Thompson,  afterwards  Master  of  Trinity,  on 
seeing  Tennyson  for  the  first  time,  said  at  once,  "That 
man  is  a  poet."  At  college  began  the  poet's  friendship 
with  Arthur  Henry  Hallam,  a  friendship  to  which  the 
world  owes  one  of  the  greatest  elegiac  poems  in  the  lan- 
guage. Hallam's  early  death,  in  1833,  cast  a  shadow 
over  Tennyson's  life,  and  fostered  in  the  poet's  soul  that 
brooding  sorrow  which  at  last  expressed  itself  in  In 
3Iemoriam.  In  1831  Tennyson  was  called  away  from 
college  by  the  illness  of  his  father,  who  died  soon  after- 
wards. In  1837  the  family  removed  from  Somersby  to 
Epping  Forest,  and  later  to  Cheltenham.  During  these 
years  the  poet  devoted  himself  to  his  work,  varying  his 
life  by  trips  abroad,  short  visits  to  Wales,  and  an  occar 
sional  run  down  to  IMaplethorp,  on  his  beloved  Lincoln- 
shire coast. 

Tennyson's  first  published  work  was  a  little  book  made 
up  of  poems  by  himself  and  by  his  brother  Charles. 
This  slender  volume,  entitled  Poems  by  Two  Brothers, 
appeared  in  1827  and  excited  but  little  attention.  In 
1832  Tennyson  published  the  volume  in  which  appeared 
Tlie  Miller's  Daughter,  The  Palace  of  Art,  TJie  Dream  oj 
Fair  Women,  TJie  Lady  of  Shalott,  (Enone,  and  TJie  May 
Queen.  These  poems  are  now  so  widely  known  and 
loved  that  it  is  hard  for  us  to  understand  the  apathy 
with  which  they  were  then  received  by  the  public. 
Though  the  greatness  of  Tennyson's  genius  was  early 


X  INTROD  UCTION 

recognized  by  his  friends  and  by  a  few  choice  spirits 
outside  that  circle,  it  was  not  until  the  publication  of 
the  volume  of  1842,  containing  Locksley  Hall,  Ulysses, 
and  The  Two  Voices,  that  the  English  people  awoke  to 
the  fact  that  a  great  singer  had  appeared  among  them. 
In  1842,  the  failure  of  a  wood-carving  scheme,  in  which 
Tennyson  had  been  induced  to  invest  all  of  his  little 
savings,  brought  him  to  the  verge  of  absolute  hardship. 
The  loss  was  a  vital  matter  to  him  at  the  time,  as  it 
obliged  him  to  postpone  indefinitely  his  marriage  with 
Miss  Emily  Sellwood,  to  whom  he  had  been  engaged  for 
nearly  six  years,  but  whom  he  had  been  unable  to  marry 
on  account  of  lack  of  funds.  Their  engagement  lasted 
for  nearly  fourteen  years,  and  it  was  not  until  1850, 
when  his  poems  at  last  brought  him  a  competency,  that 
the  marriage  took  place. 

In  1850  Tennyson  was  made  Poet  Laureate.  Erom 
this  time  on  his  fame  as  a  poet  steadily  increased,  but, 
in  spite  of  the  popularity  of  his  work,  the  general  public 
knew  but  little  of  the  personality  of  the  poet.  His  sen- 
sitive, reserved  nature  shrank  from  the  glare  of  publicity 
even  when  softened  by  the  light  of  popular  admiration, 
and  he  made  for  himself  a  safe  retreat  at  Earringford, 
in  the  Isle  of  Wight.  Here,  with  his  wife  and  children, 
he  lived  an  ideal  home-life,  visited  now  and  then  by 
congenial  friends,  spending  his  days  in  study  and  work 
and  in  long  tramps  across  the  windy  downs.  Erom 
Hallam  Tennyson's  account  of  the  home-life  at  Ear- 
ringford, one  gets  an  insight  into  the  singular  sweet- 


LIFE    OF    TENNYSON  XI 

ness  and  purity  of  the  great  poet's  nature.  It  was  at 
Farringford  and  at  his  beautiful  home  of  Aid  worth  in 
Sussex  that  he  composed  the  poems  of  his  later  years, 
Maud,  The  Idylls  of  the  King,  and  his  dramas,  Harold, 
Becket,' Sind  Queen  Mary.  In  188-4  he  was  raised  to  the 
Peerage.  His  death  occurred  in  1892.  Throughout  his 
long  life  of  eighty-three  years  Tennyson  Avas  a  student. 
He  was  interested  in  a  multitude  of  subjects,  and  his 
knowledge  was  wide  and  deep.  Up  to  the  very  end  of 
his  life  he  studied  and  wrote,  and  he  died  with  a  volume 
of  Shakspere  clasped  in  his  hand.  He  was  buried  in 
the  Poets'  Corner  in  Westminster  Abbey,  among  the 
illustrious  dead. 

The  Memoir  of  Tennyson  by  his  son.  Lord  Hallam 
Tennyson,  throws  a  flood  of  light  upon  the  personality 
of  the  "veiled  prophet*^  of  the  Victorian  Age,  —  upon 
his  friendships,  his  enthusiasms,  his  ideals,  his  convic- 
tions, his  faith.  Perhaps  nothing  is  more  interesting 
in  these  pages  than  the  pictures  drawn  of  the  poet 
by  his  close  friends.  Carlyle  says  of  his  1842  volume: 
"  Truly,  it  is  long  since  in  any  English  book,  poetry  or 
prose,  I  have  felt  the  pulse  of  a  real  man's  heart  as  I  do 
in  this  sauie.  A  right  valiant,  true-lighting,  victorious 
heart;  strong  as  a  lion's,  yet  gentle,  loving,  and  full  of 
music.'' 

Carlyle's  famous  word-portrait  of  Tennyson  is  as  char- 
acteristic of  the  sage  as  of  the  poet:  "One  of  the  finest 
looking  men  in  the  world.  A  great  shock  of  rough, 
dusky  dark  hair;  bright,  laugliing,  hazel  eyes:  massive, 


Xii  INTRODUCTION 

aquiline  face,  most  massive,  yet  most  delicate ;  of  sallow 
brown  complexion,  almost  Indian  looking,  clothes  cyni 
caliy  loose,  free  and  easy,  smokes  infinite  tobacco." 

Jowett,  the  Master  of  Baliol,  speaks  thus  of  Tenny- 
son's charm  :  "  Most  of  Tennyson's  friends  remember  a 
small  room  high  up  at  the  top  of  the  house  [Farring- 
ford],  to  which,  when  dinner  was  over,  he  retired,  and 
sometimes  after  half  an  hour's  solitude  invited  his 
friends  to  join  him.  ...  In  general  he  was  very  free 
and  frank;  he  had  nothing  to  conceal,  and  he  felt  so 
keenly  that,  if  he  had,  he  could  not  have  concealed  it. 
He  used  to  utter  strong  thoughts  in  strong  language 
about  recent  discoveries  in  science,  about  the  politics  of 
the  day,  about  the  deeper  mysteries  of  human  life." 

Aubrey  de  Yere,  one  of  Tennyson's  close  friends,  dis- 
closes the  secret  of  the  poet's  magnetic  hold  upon  the 
affections  of  his  intimates:  "The  entire  simplicity  and 
unconventionality  of  Alfred  Tennyson  was  part  of  the 
charm  which  bound  his  friends  to  him.  ISTo  acquaint- 
ance, however  inferior  to  him  in  intellect,  could  be  afraid 
of  him.  He  felt  that  he  was  not  in  the  presence  of  a 
critic,  but  of  one  who  respected  human  nature  wherever 
he  found  it." 

"  In  the  future,"  says  Dr.  van  Dyke,  "  when  men  call 
the  roll  of  poets  who  have  given  splendor  to  the  name 
of  England,  they  will  begin  with  Shakspere  and  Milton, 
—  and  who  shall  have  the  third  place  if  it  be  not 
Tennyson?" 


INTR  OD  UC  TION  xiii 


THE   IDYLLS   OF   THE   Kl^G 

When,  in  1832,  Tennyson  wrote  his  mystical  lyric, 
The  Lady  of  Shalott,  he  had  no  idea  that  it  was  to  be 
the  prelude  to  an  epic.  Kor  when,  in  1842,  he  published 
his  fine  Homeric  fragment.  The  Morte  cV Arthur,  did  he 
realize  that  it  was  to  stand  as  the  last  word,  the  dra- 
matic conclusion,  of  an  epic  cycle  as  yet  .unwritten.  As 
a  matter  of  fact,  the  conception  of  the  Idylls  as  a  great, 
connected,  narrative  poem  dawned  upon  him  gradually. 
Like  all  epics,  worthy  the  name,  it  was  a  thing  of  slow, 
perhaps  almost  of  unconscious,  growth.  The  master- 
piece was  twenty  years  in  the  building.  Into  it  Tenny- 
son threw  the  strength  and  enthusiasm  of  his  prime ; 
upon  its  exquisite  form  he  lavished  the  perfected  art 
of  his  maturity.  And  to-day  it  stands,  a  noble  English 
poem,  worthy  the  place  that  a  clear-eyed  critic  has 
assigned  it,  "the  greatest  narrative  poem  since  Paradise 
Lost.^'  Though  the  Idylls  appeared  separately,  and 
though  each  in  itself  is  a  complete  whole,  they  are 
really  links  in  a  great  chain,  bound  together  in  epic 
unity  by  a  single  underlying  motive.  In  this  one  par- 
ticular the  requirements  of  the  classic  epic  are  satisfied. 
The  whole  poem  revolves  around  one  central  point,  the 
Holy  Grail,  and,  though  there  are  pauses  in  the  action, 
it  sweeps  onward  throughout  the  various  Idylls  to  one 
inevitable  end.  The  Idylls  of  the  lung  is  the  epic  of 
chivalry,  but  of  a  chivalry   interpreted    by   nineteenth 


XIV  INTRODUCTION 

century  ideals.  The  symbolism  of  the  poem  is  unmis- 
takably indicated  by  Tennyson  himself  in  his  fine  Dedi- 
cation to  the  Queen :  — 

"  Accept  this  old,  imperfect  tale, 
New  old,  and  shadowing  Sense  at  war  with  Soul." 

This  warring  of  sense  with  soul  furnishes  the  conflict  in 
every  one  of  the  Idylls,  and  supplies  the  motive  of  the 
whole  series  iii  Arthur's  high  resolve  to  "right  the 
wrong  "  and  "  make  the  world  other." 

In  summing  up  the  symbolistic  teaching  of  the  Idylls, 
Dr.  Henry  van  Dyke,  who  is  perhaps  closer  to  Tennyson 
in  mood  and  feeling  than  any  of  the  other  critics,  says : 
"Tennyson  teaches  that  the  soul  of  man  has  power  to 
resist  and  conquer  sin  within  its  own  domain,  to  triumph 
over  sense  by  steadfast  loyalty  to  the  higher  nature,  and 
thus  to  achieve  peace  and  final  glory.  ,  .  .  The  King 
chooses  his  ideal  and  follows  it,  and  it  lifts  him  up  and 
sets  him  on  his  course  like  a  star.  His  life  is  not  a 
failure,  as  it  has  been  called,  but  a  glorious  success ;  for 
it  demonstrates  the  freedom  of  the  will  and  the  strength 
of  the  soul  against  the  powers  of  evil  and  the  fate  of  sin, 
.  .  .  The  victory  of  sense  over  soul  is  not  a  solitary 
triumph;  it  has  far-reaching  results.  The  evil  lives  of 
Modred,  of  Tristram,  spread  like  a  poison  through  the 
court.  But  no  less  powerful,  no  less  far-reaching  is  the 
victory  of  soul  over  sense.  Gareth,  and  Enid,  and  Balan, 
and  Bors,  and  Bedevere,  and  Galahad  have  power  to  help 
uplift  others  out  of  the  lower  life.     Their  lives  are  not 


THE    IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING  XV 

wasted,  nor  does  Arthur  himself  live  in  vain,  though  the 
Round  Table  is  dissolved/' 

Though  critics  disagree  as  to  the  place  of  the  Idylls 
as  an  epic,  there  can  be  no  question  that,  so  far  as  their 
form  is  concerned,  they  belong  in  the  very  foremost  rank 
of  English  verse.  Tennyson's  wonderful  mastery  of  lan- 
guage, his  exquisite  sense  of  tone-color,  his  nice  percep- 
tion of  the  harmonical  relations  of  words,  are  nowhere 
more  strikingly  apparent  than  in  the  Idylls. 

The  general  metrical  tyj)e  of  the  Idylls  is  the  Iambic, 
varied  to  suit  the  purpose  of  the  lines  by  trochees,  ana- 
pests,  and  an  occasional  dactyl.  The  art  of  Tennyson 
is  consummate  in  the  matter  of  variations,  and  he  can 
create  almost  any  effect  he  chooses  by  a  sudden  change 
of  metrical  form.  He  sometimej  produces  an  effect  that 
is  startling,  by  the  introduction  of  a  trochee,  which,  as 
Elsdale  says,  '^always  reverses  the  usual  flow  of  the 
me.tre  and  pulls  us  up,  as  it  were,  to  gaze  at  some  sudden 
apparition  or  listen  to  some  startling  sound  "  :  — 

"  •  Stay  then,'  [  he  shrieked,  [  '  my  will  |  is  to  |  be  slain.*  " 
Another  variation  of  the  normal  line  is  the  use  of  the 
double  trochee,  which  some  critics  so  severely  condemned 
in  Milton :  — 

"His  horse  |  thereon  [  stumbled,  |  ay  for  |  I  saw  [  it." 

Tennyson  is  exceedingly  fond  of  compound  epithets, 
some  of  which  are  striking  and  original  in  the  extreme  :  — - 
"The  dusky-raftered,  many-cobwebbed  hall.'' 
"  To  sweep  in  ever-highering  eagle-circles  up." 


XVI  INTRODUCTION 

A  mannerism  of  Tennyson  is  his  habit  of  repetition  when 
he  wishes  to  make  a  marked  effect :  — 

"Moving  with  me  day  and  night, 
Fainter  by  day,  but  always  in  the  night 
Blood-red,  and  sliding  down  the  blackened  marsh 
Blood-red,  and  on  the  naked  mountain-top 
Blood-red,  and  in  the  sleeping  mere  below 
Blood-red." 

Another  peculiarity  of  Tennyson's  verse  is  its  frequent 
alliterations  and  onomatopoetic  words  :  — 

"  On  the  spike  that  split  the  mother's  heart 
Spitting  the  child." 

In  the  Idylls,  and  especially  in  the  Morte  cV Arthur,  there 
is  a  strong  Homeric  flavor,  intensified  by  the  device  of 
using  the  conventional  epithet :  "  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere," 
"  the  great  Sir  Lancelot.'' 

Ruskin,  in  a  letter  to  Tennyson  after  the  publication 
of  the  Idylls,  speaks  almost  complainingly  of  the  perfec- 
tion of  their  form,  and  seems  inclined  to  wish  that  the 
art  had  been  less  flawless.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  per- 
fection of  the  form  is  nowhere  in  the  Idylls  attained  by 
a  sacrifice  of  strength.  Tennyson's  choice  of  vigorous, 
sometimes  homely,  Saxon  words  is  an  element  of  strength 
in  his  work.  To  him  the  English  language  of  to-day 
owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  his  championship  of  Saxon 
words,  many  of  which  he  has  reintroduced  into  current 
speech  from  the  limbo  into  which  they  had  fallen. 

For  tragic  power,  Guinevere  excels  all  the  other  Idylls. 
It  is  perhaps  Tennyson's  greatest  achievement.     Sted- 


THE   IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING  XVTl 

man  says  of  the  interview  between  Arthur  and  the 
remorseful  queen  that  "  there  is  nothing  finer  in  modern 
English  verse." 

In  searching  out  the  beauties  of  the  Idylls,  one  meets 
with  exquisite  pictures  of  outward  nature  as  seen  by 
the  keen  eyes  of  the  poet.  The  imagery  is  very  largely 
from  nature,  and  that  taken  from  the  sea  is  particularly 
strong.  His  great  fondness  for  the  sea  and  his  intimate 
knowledge  of  her  moods  suggested  some  of  the  finest 
figures  in  the  poem.  For  sustained  power  and  whelming 
effect  there  is  nothing  better  than  the  figure  in  Elaine, 
in  which  the  sudden  onslaught  of  Lancelot's  kindred 
upon  the  stranger  knight  is  compared  to  a  wave  of  the 
North  Sea  bearing  down  upon  a  bark. 

The  sources  from  which  Tennyson  drew  the  material 
for  his  poem  are  open  to  the  world.  The  Morte  (V Arthur 
of  Sir  Thomas  Malory  was  his  chief  treasure-house,  but 
back  of  that  lies  a  mass  of  local  tradition,  church  leg- 
ends, Latin  chronicles,  and  many  bardic  poems  of  Wales 
and  Brittany.  An  interesting  account  of  these  sources 
can  be  found  in  the  introduction  to  jNIead's  Selections 
from  Malory  in  the  Atheneum  Press  Series.  But  they 
are  sources  only ;  the  poem  is  Tennyson's  own.  '•  In 
these  antique  myths,"  says  Dr.  van  Dyke,  "he  desired 
to  embody  his  o^Yll  theory  of  human  life.  Tristram 
and  Percivale  become  living  characters  in  his  poetry 
as  truly  as  in  the  music  of  "Wagner.  The  latest  great 
picture  of  man's  conflict  with  sin  and  fate  is  The  Idylls 
of  the  King.'' 


IDYLLS   OF   THE   KING 


THE  comi:n'g  of  abthur 

LeodogPwAx,  the  King  of  °Cameliard, 
Had  one  fair  daughter,  and  none  other  child ; 
And  she  was  fairest  of  all  flesh  on  earth, 
Guinevere,  and  in  her  his  one  delight. 

For  many  a  "petty  king  ere  Arthur  came 
Ruled  in  this  isle  and,  ever  waging  war 
Each  upon  other,  wasted  all  the  land; 
And  still  from  time  to  time  the  °heathen  host 
Swarm'd  over-seas,  and  "harried  what  was  left. 
And  so  there  grew  great  tracts  of  wilderness, 
Wherein  tlie  beast  was  ever  more  and  more. 
But  man  was  less  and  less,  till  Arthur  came. 
Eor  first  °Aurelius  lived  and  fought  and  died, 
And  after  him  King  °Uther  fought  and  died, 
But  either  fail'd  to  make  the  kingdom  one. 
And  after  these  King  Arthur  for  a  space. 
And  thro'  the  puissance  of  his  °Table  Round, 
Drew  all  their  petty  princedoms  under  him, 
Their  king  and  head,  and  made  a  realm,  and  reign'd. 

And  thus  the  land  of  Cameliard  was  waste, 
Thick  with  wet  woods,  and  jnany  a  beast  therein. 
And  none  or  few  to  scare  or  chase  the  beast ; 
So  that  wild  dog  and  wolf  and  boar  and  bear 


2  IDYLLS  OF  THE  KING 

Came  night  and  day,  and  rooted  in  the  fields, 

And  wallow' d  in  the  gardens  of  the  King. 

And  ever  and  anon  the  °wolf  would  steal 

The  children  and  devour,  but  now  and  then, 

Her  own  brood  lost  or  dead,  lent  her  fierce  teat 

To  human  sucklings  ;  and  the  children,  housed 

In  her  foul  den,  there  at  their  meat  would  growl,  30 

And  mock  their  foster-mother  on  four  feet, 

Till,  straighten'd,  they  grew  up  to  °wolf-like  men 

Worse  than  the  wolves.     And  King  Leodogran 

°Groan'd  for  the  Roman  legions  here  again 

And  Caesar's  eagle :  then  his  brother  king, 

°Urien,  assail'd  him  :  last  a  °heathen  horde, 

Eeddening  the  sun  with  smoke  and  earth  with  blood, 

And  on  the  spike  that  split  the  mother's  heart 

Spitting  the  child,  brake  on  him,  till,  amazed, 

He  knew  not  whither  he  should  turn  for  aid.  40 

But  —  for  he  heard  of  Arthur  newly  crown'd, 
Tho'  not  without  an  uproar  made  by  those 
Who  cried,  ^He  is  not  Uther's  son'  —  the  King 
Sent  to  him,  saying,  ^  Arise,  and  help  us  thou ! 
Eor  here  between  the  man-  and  beast  we  die.' 

And  Arthur  yet  had  done  no  deed  of  arms, 
But  heard  the  call  and  came :  and  Guinevere 
Stood  by  the  castle  walls  to  watch  him  pass ; 
But  since  he  ^neither  Avore  on  helm  or  shield 
The  °golden  symbol  of  his  kinglihood,  50 

But  rode  a  simple  knight  among  his  knights. 
And  many  of  these  in  richer  arms  than  he. 
She  saw  him  not,  or  mark'd  not,  if  she  saw, 
One  among  many,  tho'  his  face  was  bare. 
But  Arthur,  looking  downward  as  he  past, 
Felt  the  light  of  her  eyes  into  his  life 


THE  COMIXG   OF  ARTHUR  3 

Smite  on  the  sudden,  yet  rode  on,  and  pitch'd 

His  tents  beside  the  forest.     Then  he  °drave 

The  heathen ;  °after,  slew  the  beast,  and  fell'd 

The  forest,  letting  in  the  sun,  and  made  60 

Broad  pathways  for  the  hunter  and  the  knight, 

And  so  return'd. 

For  while  he  linger'd  there, 
A  doubt  that  ever  smoulder'd  in  the  hearts 
Of  those  great  lords  and  barons  of  his  realm 
Flash'd  forth  and  into  war ;  for  most  of  these, 
Colleaguing  with  a  score  of  petty  kings. 
Made  head  against  him,  crying :  '  Who  is  he 
That  he  should  rule  us  ?  who  hath  proven  him 
King  Uther's  son  ?  for  lo  !  we  look  at  him. 
And  find  nor  face  nor  bearing,  limbs  nor  voice,  70 

Are  like  to  those  of-  Uther  whom  we  knew. 
This  is  the  son  of  °Gorlois,  not  the  King ; 
This  is  the  son  of  °Anton,  not  the  King.' 

And  Arthur,  passing  thence  to  battle,  felt 
°Travail,  and  throes  and  agonies  of  the  life, 
Desiring  to  be  join'd  with  Guinevere, 
And  thinking  as  he  rode  :  '■  Her  father  said 
That  there  between  the  man  and  beast  they  die. 
Shall  I  not  lift  her  from  this  land  of  beasts 
Up  to  my  throne  and  side  by  side  with  me  ?  8c 

"What  happiness  to  reign  a  lonely  king, 
°Vext  —  0  ye  stars  that  shudder  over  me, 

0  earth  that  soundest  hollow  under  me, 

Yext  with  waste  dreams  ?  for  °saviiig  I  be  join'd 
To  her  that  is  the  fairest  under  heaven, 

1  seem  as  nothing  in  the  mighty  world, 
And  °cannot  will  my  will  nor  work  my  work 
AVholly,  nor  make  myself  in  mine  own  realm 


4  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KIXG 

Victor  and  lord.     But  were  I  join'd  with  lier, 

Then  might  we  live  together  as  one  life,  90 

And  reigning  with  one  will  in  everything 

Have  power  on  this  °dark  land  to  lighten  it, 

And  power  on  this  °dead  world  to  make  it  live/ 

Thereafter  —  as  °he  speaks  who  tells  the  tale  — 
"When  Arthur  reach'd  a  field  of  battle  bright 
With  pitch'd  pavilions  of  his  foe,  the  °world 
Was  all  so  clear  about  him  that  he  saw 
The  smallest  rock  far  on  the  faintest  hill, 
And  even  in  °high  day  the  morning  star. 
So  when  the  King  had  set  his  banner  broad,  100 

At  once  from  either  side,  with  trumpet-blast, 
And  shouts,  and  "clarions  shrilling  unto  blood, 
The  °long-lanced  battle  let  their  horses  run. 
And  now  the  barons  and  the  kings  prevail'd. 
And  now  the  King,  as  here  and  there  that  war 
Went  swaying;  but  the  "Powers  who  walk  the  world 
Made  lightnings  and  great  thunders  over  him. 
And  dazed  all  e3^es,  till  Arthur  by  main  might, 
And  mightier  of  his  hands  with  every  blow, 
And  leading  all  his  knighthood,  threw  the  "kings  no 

Carados,  Urien,  Cradlemont  of  Wales, 
Claudius,  and  Clariance  of  ISTorthumberland, 
The  King  Brandagoras  of  Latangor, 
With  Anguisant  of  Erin,  Morganore, 
And  Lot  of  Orkney.     Then,  before  a  "voice 
As  dreadful  as  the  shout  of  one  who  sees 
To  one  who  sins,  and  deems  himself  alone 
And  all  the  world  asleep,  they  swerved  and  brake 
Elying,  and  Arthur  call'd  to  stay  the  brands 
That  hack'd  among  the  flyers,  "'Ho!  they  yield! '        120 
So  like  a  "painted  battle  the  war  stood 
Silenced,  the  living  quiet  as  the  dead, 


THE   COMING   OF  ARTHUR  6 

And  in  the  heart  of  Artliur  joy  was  lord. 

He  laugh'd  upon  his  °\varrior  wliom  he  loved 

And  honor'd  most.     'Thou  dost  not  doubt  me  King, 

So  well  thine  arm  hath  wrought  for  me  to-day.' 

'Sir  and  my  °liege/  he  cried,  'the  fire  of  God 

Descends  upon  thee  in  the  battle-field: 

I  know  thee  for  my  King! '     Whereat  the  two, 

Tor  each  had  "warded  either  in  the  fight,  130 

Sware  on  the  field  of  death  a  deathless  love. 

And  Arthur  said,  ^'Man's  word  is  God  in  man: 

Let  cliance  what  will,  I  trust  thee  to  the  death.' 

Then  quickly  from  the  °foughten  field  he  sent 
°Tjlfius,  and  Brastias,  and  Bedivere, 
His  new-made  knights,  to  King  Leodogran, 
Saying,  'If  I  in  aught  have  served  thee  well, 
Give  me  thy  daughter  Guinevere  to  wife.' 

"Whom  when  he  heard,  Leodogran  in  heart 
Debating — ■  'How  should  I  that  am  a  king,  140 

However  much  he  °holp  me  at  my  need. 
Give  my  one  daughter  °saving  to  a  king, 
And  a  king's  son?  '  — lifted  his  voice,  and  call'd 
A  hoary  man,  his  "chamberlain,  to  whom 
He  trusted  all  things,  and  of  him  required 
His  counsel:  'Knowest  thou  aught  of  Arthur's  birth?  ' 

Then  spake  the  hoary  chamberlain  and  said: 
'Sir  King,  there  be  but  two  old  men  that  know; 
And  each  is  twice  as  old  as  I :  and  one 
Is  "Merlin,  the  wise  man  that  ever  served  150 

King  Uther  thro'  his  magic  art;  and  one 
Is  Merlin's  master  —  so  they  call  him  —  °Bleys, 
Who  taught  him  magic;  but  the  scholar  ran 
Before  the  master,  and  so  far  that  Bleys 


6  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

Laid  magic  by,  and  sat  him  dowiij  and  wrote 
All  things  and  whatsoever  Merlin  did 
In  one  great  °annal-book,  where  after-years 
Will  learn  the  secret  of  our  Arthur's  birth.' 

To  whom  the  King  Leodogran  replied: 
*0  °friend,  had  I  been  holpen  half  as  well  i6o 

By  this  King  Arthur  as  by  thee  to-day. 
Then  beast  and  man  had  had  their  share  of  me; 
But  summon  here  before  us  yet  once  more 
Ulfius,  and  Brastias,  and  Bedivere.' 

Then,  when  they  came  before  him,  the  King  said; 
'I  have  seen  the  °cuckoo  chased  by  lesser  fowl, 
And  reason  in  the  chase;  but  wherefore  now 
Do  these  your  lords  stir  up  the  heat  of  war, 
Some  calling  Arthur  born  of  Gorloi's, 
Others  of  Anton?     Tell  me,  ye  yourselves,  170 

Hold  ye  this  Arthur  for  King  Uther's  son?' 

And  Ulfius  and  Brastias  answer'd,  'Ay.' 
Then  Bedivere,  the  first  of  all  his  knights 
Knighted  by  Arthur  at  his  crowning,  spake  — 
For  bold  in  heart  and  act  and  word  was  he. 
Whenever  slander  breathed  against  the  King  — 

'Sir,  there  be  many  rumors  on  this  head: 
For  there  be  those  who  hate  him  in  their  hearts. 
Call  him  baseborn,  and  since  his  wa3^s  are  sweet, 
And  theirs  are  bestial,  hold  him  less  than  man  ;  iSo 

And  there  be  those  who  deem  him  more  than  man. 
And  dream  he  dropt  from  heaven :  but  my  belief 
In  all  this  matter  —  so  ye  care  to  learn  — 
Sir,  for  ye  know  that  in  King  Uther's  time 
The  prince  and  warrior  Gorloi's,  he  that  held 
Tintagil  castle  by  the  Cornish  sea, 


THE  COMING   OF  ARTHUR  7 

Was  wedded  with  a  °winsome  wife,  Ygerne; 

And  daughters  had  she  borne  him,  —  one  whereof, 

Lot's  wife,  the  Queen  of  Orkney,  °Bellicent, 

Hath  ever  like  a  loyal  sister  cleaved  190 

To  Arthur,  — but  a  son  she  had  not  borne. 

And  Uther  cast  upon  her  eyes  of  love; 

But  she,  a  stainless  wife  to  Gorlois, 

So  loathed  the  bright  dishonor  of  his  love 

That  Gorlois  and  King  Uther  went  to  war, 

And  overthrown  was  Gorlois  and  slain. 

Then  Uther  in  his  wrath  and  heat  besieged 

Ygerne  within  Tintagil,  where  her  men. 

Seeing  the  mighty  swarm  about  their  walls, 

Left  her  and  fled,  and  Uther  enter'd  in,  aoo 

And  there  was  none  to  call  to  but  himself. 

So,  compass'd  by  the  power  of  the  King, 

Enforced  she  was  to  wed  him  in  her  tears. 

And  with  a  shameful  swiftness;  afterward, 

Not  many  moons,  King  Uther  died  himself. 

Moaning  and  wailing  for  an  heir  to  rule 

After  him,  lest  the  realm  should  go  to  ^wrack. 

And  that  °same  night,  the  night  of  the  new  year. 

By  reason  of  the  bitterness  and  grief 

That  vext  his  mother,  °all  before  his  time  aio 

Was  Arthur  born,  and  all  as  soon  as  born 

Delivered  at  a  secret  °postern-gate 

To  Merlin,  to  be  holden  far  apart 

Until  his  hour  should  come;  because  the  lords 

Of  that  fierce  day  were  as  tlie  °lords  of  this, 

Wild  beasts,  and  surely  would  have  torn  the  child 

Piecemeal  among  them,  had  they  known ;  for  each 

But  sought  to  rule  for  his  own  self  and  hand, 

And  many  hated  Uther  for  the  sake 

Of  Gorlois.     Wherefore  j\Ierlin  took  the  child,  220 

And  gave  him  to  Sir  Anton,  an  old  knight 


8  IDYLLS   OF  THE  KING 

And  ancient  friend  of  Uther ;  and  his  wife 

Nursed  the  young  prince,  and  rear'd  him  with  her  own; 

And  no  man  knew.     And  ever  since  the  lords 

Have  foughten  like  wild  beasts  among  themselves, 

So  that  the  realm  has  gone  to  wrack;  but  now. 

This  year,  when  Merlin  —  for  his  hour  had  come  — 

Brought  Arthur  forth,  and  set  him  in  the  hall, 

Proclaiming,  "Here  is  Uther's  heir,  your  king," 

A  hundred  voices  cried :  "  Away  with  him !  230 

No  king  of  ours !  a  son  of  Gorlois  he ; 

Or  else  the  child  of  Anton,  and  no  king. 

Or  else  baseborn."     Yet  Merlin  thro'  his  craft, 

And  while  the  people  clamor' d  for  a  king, 

Had  Arthur  crown'd;  but  after,  the  great  lords 

Banded,  and  so  brake  out  in  open  war.' 

Then  while  the  King  debated  with  himself 
If  Arthur  were  the  child  of  shamefulness, 
Or  born  the  son  of  Gorlois  after  death. 
Or  Uther's  son  and  born  before  his  time,  240 

Or  whether  there  were  truth  in  anything  ^ 
Said  by  these  three,  there  came  to  Cameliard, 
With  Gawain  and  young  Modred,  her  two  sons, 
Lot's  wife,  the  Queen  of  Orkney,  Bellicent; 
Whom  °as  he  could,  not  as  he  would,  the  King 
Made  feast  for,  saying,  as  they  sat  at  meat: 
'A  °doubtful  throne  is  ice  on  summer  seas. 
Ye  come  from  Arthur's  court.     Victor  his  men 
Keport  him !     Yea,  but  ye  —  think  ye  this  king  — 
So  many  those  that  hate  him,  and  so  strong,  250 

So  few  his  knights,  however  brave  they  be  — 
Hath  °body  enow  to  hold  his  foemen  down? ' 

*0  King,'  she  cried,  'and  I  will  tell  thee:  few, 
Few,  but  all  brave,  all  of  one  mind  with  him ; 


THE    COMIX G    OF  ARTHUR  9 

For  I  was  near  him  when  the  savage  yells 

Of  Uther's  peerage  died,  and  Arthur  sat 

Crowned  on  the  °dais,  and  his  warriors  cried, 

"Be  thou  the  king,  and  we  will  work  thy  will 

Who  love  thee."     Then  the  King  in  °low  deep  tones, 

And  simple  words  of  great  authority,  26c 

Bound  them  by  so  °strait  vows  to  his  own  self 

That  when  they  rose,  knighted  from  kneeling,  some 

Were  pale  as  at  the  passing  of  a  ghost. 

Some  flushed,  and  others  dazed,  as  one  who  wakes 

Half-blinded  at  the  coming  of  a  light. 

'But  when  he  spake,  and  cheer'd  his  Table  Round 
With  large,  divine,  and  comfortable  words, 
Beyond  my  tongue  to  tell  thee  —  I  beheld 
From  ejQ  to  eye  thro'  all  their  Order  flash 
A  momentar}^  likeness  of  the  King;  270 

And  ere  it  left  their  faces,  thro'  the  cross 
And  those  around  it  and  the  Crncitied, 
Down  from  the  casement  over  Arthur,  smote 
Flame -color,  °vert,  and  azure,  in  three  rays, 
One  falling  upon  each  of  °three  fair  queens 
Who  stood  in  silence  near  his  throne,  the  friends 
Of  Arthur,  gazing  on  him,  tall,  witli  bright 
Sweet  faces,  who  will  help  him  at  his  need. 

'And  there  I  saw  °mage  Merlin,'  whose  vast  wit 
And  hundred  winters  are  but  as  the  hands  28a 

Of  loyal  vassals  toiling  for  their  liege. 

'And  near  him  stood  the  °Lady  of  the  Lake, 
Who  knows  a  subtler  magic  than  his  own  — 
Clothed  in  white  °samite,  mystic,  wonderful. 
She  gave  the  King  his  huge  cross-hilted  sword, 
Whereby  to  drive  the  heathen  out:  a  mist 


10  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

Of  incense  ciirl'd  about  her,  and  her  face 

Wellnigh  was  hidden  in  the  °minster  gloom ; 

But  there  was  heard  among  the  holy  hymns 

A  °voice  as  of  the  waters,  for  she  dwells  290 

Down  in  a  deep  —  °calm,  whatsoever  storms 

May  shake  the  world  —  and  when  the  surface  rolls, 

Hath  power  to  walk  the  waters  like  our  Lord. 

■     'There  likewise  I  beheld  °Excalibur 

Before  him  a,t  his  crowning  borne,  the  sword 

That  rose  from  out  the  bosom  of  the  lake, 

And  Arthur  row'd  across  and  took  it  —  rich 

With  °jewels,  elfin  Urim,  on  the  hilt, 

Bewildering  heart  and  eye — ^the  °blade  so  bright 

That  men  are  blinded  by  it  —  on  one  side,  300 

Graven  in  the  °oldest  tongue  of  all  this  world, 

"Take  me,"  but  turn  the  blade  and  ye  shall  see, 

And  written  in  the  speech  ye  speak  yourself, 

" Cast  me  away!  "     And  sad  was  Arthur's  face 

Taking  it,  but  old  Merlin  counsell'd  him, 

"  Take  thou  and  strike !  the  time  to  cast  away 

Is  3^et  far-off."     So  this  great  °brand  the  King 

Took,  and  by  this  will  beat  his  foemen  down.' 

Thereat  Leodogran  rejoiced,  but  thought 
To  sift  his  doubtings  to  the  last,  and  ask'd,  310 

Fixing  full  eyes  of  question  on  her  face, 
'The  swallow  and  the  swift  are  near  akin, 
But  thou  art  closer  to  this  noble  prince. 
Being  his  own  dear  sister; '  and  she  said, 
'Daughter  of  Gorloi's  and  Ygerne  am  I; ' 
'And  therefore  Arthur's  sister?'  ask'd  the  King. 
She  answer'd,  'These  be  secret  things,'  and  sign'd 
To  those  two  sons  to  pass,  and  let  °them  be. 
And  °Gawain  went,  and  breaking  into  song 


THE    COMING   OF  ARTHUR  11 

Sprang  out,  and  follow'd  by  his  flying  hair  320 

Ean  like  a  colt,  and  leapt  at  all  he  saw; 

But  °]Modred  laid  his  ear  beside  the  doors, 

And  there  half-heard  —  the  same  that  afterward 

Struck  for  the  °throne,  and  striking  found  his  doom. 

And  then  the  Queen  made  answer:  *What  know  I? 
For  dark  my  mother  was  in  eyes  and  hair. 
And  dark  in  ^lair  and  eyes  am  I ;  and  dark 
Was  Gorlois ;  yea,  and  dark  was  Uther  too, 
Wellnigh  to  blackness;  but  this  °king  is  fair 
Beyond  the  race  of  Britons  and  of  men.  33» 

Moreover,  always  in  my  mind  I  hear 
A  cry  from  out  the  dawning  of  my  life, 
A  mother  weeping,  and  I  hear  her  say, 
''  0  that  ye  had  some  brother,  pretty  one. 
To  guard  thee  on  the  rough  ways  of  the  world." ' 

*Ay, '  said  the  King,  *and  hear  ye  such  a  cry? 
But  when  did  Arthur  chance  upon  thee  first? ' 

'0  King! '  she  cried,  'and  I  will  tell  thee  true: 
He  found  me  first  when  yet  a  little  maid : 
Beaten  I  had  been  for  a  little  fault  340 

Whereof  I  was  not  guilty;  and  out  I  ran 
And  flung  myself  down  on  a  bank  of  heath. 
And  hated  this  fair  world  and  all  therein. 
And  wept,  and  wish'd  that  I  were  dead;  and  he  — 
I  know  not  whether  of  liimself  he  came. 
Or  brought  by  ]\Ierlin,  °who,  they  say,  can  walk 
Unseen  at  pleasure  —  he  was  at  my  side, 
And  spake  sweet  words,  and  comforted  my  heart, 
And  dried  my  tears,  being  a  child  with  me. 
And  many  a  time  he  came,  and  evermore  350 

As  I  grew  "greater  grew  with  me;  and  sad 


12  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

At  times  he  seem'd,  and  sad. with  him  was  I, 
Stern  too  at  times,  and  then  I  loved  him  not, 
But  sweet  again,  and  then  I  loved  him  well. 
And  now  of  late  I  see  him  less  and  less, 
But  those  first  days  had  golden  hours  for  me. 
For  then  I  surely  thought  he  would  be  king. 

'But  let  me  tell  thee  now  another  tale: 
For  Bleys,  our  Merlin's  master,  as  they  say, 
Died  but  of  late,  and  sent  his  cry  to  me,  360 

To  hear  him  speak  before  he  left  his  life. 
^Shrunk  like  a  fairy  changeling  lay  the  mage; 
And  when  I  enter' d  told  me  that  himself 
And  Merlin  ever  served  about  the  King, 
Uther,  before  he  died;  and  on  the  night 
When  Uther  in  Tintagil  past  away 
Moaning  and  wailing  for  an  heir,  the  two  . 
Left  the  °still  King,  and  passing  forth  to  breathe, 
Then  from  the  castle  gateway  by  the  chasm 
Descending  thro'  the  dismal  night  —  a  °night  370 

In  which  the  bounds  of  heaven  and  earth  were  lost  — 
Beheld,  so  high  upon  the  dreary  deeps 
It  seem'd  in  heaven,  a  ship,  the  shape  thereof 
A  dragon  wing'd,  and  all  from  stem  to  stern 
Bright  with  a  shining  people  on  the  decks. 
And  gone  as  soon  as  seen.     And  then  the  two 
Dropt  to  the  cove,  and  watch'd  the  great  sea  fall, 
Wave  after  wave,  each  mightier  than  the  last, 
°Till  last,  a  ninth  one,  gathering  half  the  deep 
And  full  of  °voices,  slowly  rose  and  plunged  380 

Bearing,  and  all  the  wave  was  in  a  flame: 
And  down  the  wave  and  in  the  flame  was  borne 
A  °naked  babe,  and  rode  to  Merlin's  feet. 
Who  stoopt  and  caught  the  babe,  and  cried,  "The  King! 
Here  is  an  heir  for  Uther! "     And  the  fringe 


THE    COMING   OF  ARTHUR  13 

Of  that  great  breaker,  sweeping  up  the  strand, 

Lash'd  at  the  wizard  as  he  spake  the  word, 

And  all  at  once  all  round  him  rose  in  fire, 

So  that  the  child  and  he  were  clothed  in  fire. 

And  presently  thereafter  follow'd  calm,  390 

Free  °sky  and  stars:  "And  this  same  child,"  he  said, 

"Is  he  who  reigns;  nor  could  I  °part  in  peace 

Till  this  were  told."     And  saying  this  the  °seer 

Went  thro'  the  strait  and  dreadful  pass  of  death, 

Not  ever  to  be  question'd  any  more 

Save  on  the  further  side;  but  when  I  met 

Merlin,  and  ask'd  him  if  these  things  were  truth  — 

The  shining  dragon  and  the  naked  child 

Descending  in  the  glory  of  the  seas  — 

He  laugh'd  as  is  his  wont,  and  answer'd  me  400 

In  °riddling  triplets  of  old  time,  and  said:  — 

'"Eain,  rain,  and  sun!  a  rainbow  in  the  sky  ! 
A  young  man  will  be  wiser  by  and  b}' ; 
An  old  man's  wit  may  wander  ere  he  die. 

Rain,  rain,  and  sun!  a  rainbow  on  the  °lea! 
And  truth  is  this  to  me,  and  that  to  thee; 
And  truth  or  clothed  or  naked  let  it  be. 


Rain,  sun,  and  rain !  and  the  free  blossom  blows : 
Sun,  rain,  and  sun!  and  where  is  he  who  knows? 
From  the  great  deep  to  the  °great  deep  he  goes."  410 

'So  °]\Ierlin  riddling  anger'd  me;  but  thou 
Fear  not  to  give  this  King  thine  only  child, 
Guinevere :  so  great  bards  of  him  will  sing 
Hereafter ;  and  dark  sayings  from  of  old 
Ranging  and  ringing  thro'  the  minds  of  men, 


14  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

And  echo'd  by  old  folk  beside  their  fires 

For  comfort  after  their  °wage-work  is  done, 

Speak  of  the  King;  and  Merlin  in  our  time 

Hath  spoken  also,  not  in  jest,  and  sworn 

Tho'  °men  may  wound  him  that  he  will  not  die,  i2e 

But  pass,  again  to  come,  and  then  or  now 

Utterly  smite  the  heathen  underfoot. 

Till  these  and  all  men  hail  him  for  their  king.'  <^ 

She  spake  and  King  Leodogran  rejoiced, 
But  musing  'Shall  I  answer  yea  or  nay  ? ' 
Doubted,  and  drowsed,  nodded  and  slept,  and  saw, 
Dreaming,  a  slope  of  land  that  ever  grew, 
Field  after  field,  up  to  a  height,  the  peak 
Haze-hidden,  and  thereon  a  °phantom  king, 
Now  "looming,  and  now  lost;  and  on  the  slope  430 

The  sword  rose,  the  °hind  fell,  the  herd  was  driven, 
Fire  glimpsed;  and  all  the  land  from  roof  and  °rick, 
In  drifts  of  smoke  before  a  rolling  wind. 
Streamed  to  the  peak,  and  mingled  with  the  haze 
And  made  it  thicker;  while  the  phantom  king 
Sent  out  at  times  a  voice;  and  here  or  there 
Stood  one  who  pointed  toward  the  voice,  the  rest 
Slew  on  and  burnt,  crying,  'iSTo  king  of  ours, 
No  son  of  Uther,  and  no  king  of  ours ; ' 
Till  °with  a  wink  his  dream  was  changed,  the  haze      44c 
Descended,  and  the  solid  earth  became 
As  nothing,  but  the  King  stood  out  in  heaven, 
Crown'd.     And  Leodogran  awoke,  and  sent 
Ulfius,  and  Brastias,  and  Bedivere, 
Back  to  the  court  of  Arthur  answering  yea. 

Then  Arthur  charged  his  warrior  whom  he  loved 
And  honor'd  most,  °Sir  Lancelot,  to  ride  forth 


THE    COMING    OF  ARTHUR  15 

And  bring  the  Queen,  and  watch'd  him  from  th-^  gates; 

And  Lancelot  past  away  among  the  flowers  — 

For  then  was  latter  April  —  and  return'd  450 

Among  the  °flowers,  in  ]\Iay,  with  Guinevere. 

To  whom  arrived,  by  °Dubric  the  high  saint, 

Chief  of  the  church  in  Britain,  and  before 

The  stateliest  of  her  °altar-shrines,  the  King 

That  morn  was  married,  while  in  stainless  white, 

The  fair  beginners  of  a  nobler  time. 

And  glor^'ing  in  their  vows  and  him,  his  knights 

Stood  round  him,  and  rejoicing  in  his  joy. 

Far  shone  the  fields  of  iMay  thro'  open  door, 

The  sacred  altar  blossomed  white  with  ^lay,  460 

The  Sun  of  May  descended  on  their  King, 

They  gazed  on  all  earth's  beauty  in  tlieir  Queen, 

Roll'd  incense,  and  there  past  along  the  hymns 

A  voice  as  of  the  waters,  while  the  two 

Sware  at  the  shrine  of  Christ  a  deatliless  love: 

And  Arthur  said,  'Behold,  thy  doom  is  mine. 

Let  chance  what  will,  I  love  thee  to  the  death! ' 

To  whom  the  Queen  replied  with  drooping  eyes, 

'King  and  my  lord,  I  love  thee  to  the  death! ' 

And  holy  Dubric  spread  his  hands  and  spake:  470 

'Reign  ye,  and  live  and  love,  and  °niake  the  world 

Other,  and  may  thy  Queen  be  one  with  thee, 

And  all  this  Order  of  thy  Table  Round 

Fulfil  the  boundless  purpose  of  their  King! ' 

So  Dubric  said;  but  when  they  left  the  shrine 
Great  °lords  from  Rome  before  the  portal  stood, 
In  scornful  stillness  gazing  as  they  past; 
Then  while  they  paced  a  city  all  on  fire 
With  sun  and  cloth  of  gold,  the  trumpets  blew. 
And  Arthur's  knighthood  sang  before  the  King:  —      4S0 


16  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

'Blow  ''trumpet,  for  the  world  is  white  with  May! 
Blow  trumpet,  the  long  night  hath  roll'd  away! 
Blow  thro'  the  living  world  —  "  Let  the  King  reign!  " 

*  Shall  °Rome  or  Heathen  rule  in  Arthur's  realm? 
Flash  brand  and  lance,  fall  battle-axe  on  helm, 
Fall  battle-axe,  and  flash  brand!     Let  the  King  reign! 

'Strike  for  the  King  and  live!  his  knights  have  heard 
That  God  hath  told  the  King  a  secret  word. 
Fall  battle-axe,  and  flash  brand!     Let  the  King  reign! 

'Blow  trumpet!  he  will  lift  us  from  the  dust.  49c 

Blow  trumpet!  live  the  strength  and  die  the  lust! 
Clang  battle-axe,  and  clash  brand!     Let  the  King  reign! 

'Strike  for  the  King  and  die!  and  if  thou  diest. 
The  King  is  king,  and  ever  wills  the  highest. 
Clang  battle-axe,  and  clash  brand!     Let  the  King  reign! 

'Blow,  for  our  Sun  is  mighty  in  his  May! 
Blow,  for  our  Sun  is  mightier  day  by  day! 
Clang  battle-axe,  and  clash  brand!     Let  the  King  reign! 

'The  °King  will  follow  Christ,  and  we  the  King, 
In  whom  high  God  hath  breathed  a  secret  thing.  500 

Fall  battle-axe,  and  clash  brand!     Let  the  King  reign! ' 

So  sang  the  knighthood,  moving  to  their  hall. 
There  at  the  banquet  those  great  lords  from  Kome, 
The  slowly-fading  °mistress  of  the  world. 
Strode  in  and  claim 'd  their  °tribute  as  of  yore. 
But  Arthur  spake:  °' Behold,  for  these  have  sworn 
To  wage  my  wars,  and  worship  me  their  King; 
The  °old  order  changeth,  yielding  place  to  newj 


THE    COMING    OF  ARTHUR  If 

And  we  that  fight  for  our  fair  father  Christ, 

Seeing  that  ye  be  grown  too  weak  and  okl  510 

To  drive  the  heathen  from  your  °Itoman  wall, 

Ko  tribute  will  we  pay. '     So  those  great  lords 

Drew  back  in  wrath,  and  Arthur  strove  with  Rome. 

And  Arthur  and  his  knighthood  for  a  space 
Were  all  one  will,  and  thro'  that  strength  the  King 
Drew  in  the  petty  princedoms  under  him, 
Fought,  and  in  "twelve  great  battles  overcame 
The  heathen  hordes,  and  made  a  realm  and  reign'd 


GARETH   AND   LYNETTE 

The  last  tall  son  of  °Lot  and  Bellicent, 
And  tallest,  °Gareth,  in  a  showerful  spring 
Stared  at  the  °spate.     A  slender-shafted  pine 
Lost  footing,  fell,  and  so  was  whirl' d  away. 
'How  he  went  down/  said  Gareth,  'as  a  false  knight 
Or  evil  king  before  my  lance,  if  lance 
Were  mine  to  use  —  0  senseless  cataract, 
Bearing  all  down  in  thy  precipitancy  — 
And  yet  thou  art  but  swollen  with  cold  snows 
And  mine  is  living  blood:  thou  dost  His  will, 
The  Maker's,  and  °not  knowest,  and  I  that  know, 
Have  strength  and  wit,  in  my  good  mother's  hall 
Linger  with  vacillating  obedience, 
Prison'd,  and  kept  and  °coax'd  and  whistled  to  — 
Since  the  good  mother  holds  me  still  a  child! 
Good  mother  is  bad  mother  unto  me ! 
A  worse  were  better;  yet  no  worse  would  I. 
Heaven  °yield  her  for  it,  but  in  me  put  force 
To  weary  her  ears  with  one  continuous  prayer, 
Lentil  she  let  me  fly  °discaged  to  sweep 
In  °ever-highering  eagle-circles  up 
To  the  great  Sun  of  Glory,  and  thence  swoop 
Down  upon  all  things  base,  and  dash  them  dead, 
A  knight  of  Arthur,  ^working  out  his  will, 
°To  cleanse  the  world.     Why,  Gawain,  when  he  came 
With  Modred  hither  in  the  summer-time, 

18 


G  A  RE  Til   AND    LYNETTE  19 

Ask'd  me  to  tilt  witli  him,  the  °proven  knight. 

Modred  for  want  of  worthier  was  the  judge. 

Then  I  so  shook  him  in  the  saddle,  he  said, 

"  Thou  hast  half  prevail'd  against  me,"  said  so  —  he  —  30 

Tho'  Modred  biting  his  thin  lips  was  mute, 

For  he  is  alway  sullen:  what  care  I?' 


And  Gareth  went,  and  hovering  round  her  chair 
Ask'd,  'Mother,  tho'  ye  count  me  still  the  child, 
Sweet  mother,  do  ye  love  the  child?'     She  laughed, 
'Thou  art  but  a  wild-goose  to  question  it.* 
'Then,  mother,  an  ye  love  the  child,'  he  said, 
'Being  a  goose  and  rather  tame  than  wild, 
Hear  the  cliild's  story.'     *Yea,  my  well-beloved, 
An  'twere  but  of  the  goose  and  golden  eggs.'  40 

And  Gareth  answer'd  her  with  kindling  eyes: 
'Nay,  nay,  good  mother,  but  this  g^^  of  mine 
Was  finer  gold  than  any  goose  can  lay; 
For  this  an  eagle,  a  royal  eagle,  laid 
Almost  beyond  eye-reach,  on  such  a  palm 
As  glitters  gilded  in  thy  °Book  of  Hours. 
And  there  was  ever  °haunting  round  the  palm 
A  lusty  youth,  but  poor,  who  often  saw 
The  splendor  sparkling  from  aloft,  and  thought, 
''An  I  could  climb  and  lay  my  hand  upon  it,  3<i 

Then  were  I  wealthier  than  a  °leash  of  kings." 
But  ever  when  he  reach'd  a  hand  to  climb. 
One  that  had  loved  him  from  his  childhood  caught 
And  stay'd  him,  '*  Climb  not  lest  thou  break  tliy  neck, 
I  charge  thee  by  my  love,"  and  so  the  boy, 
Sweet  mother,  neither  °clomb  nor  brake  his  neck. 
But  brake  his  very  heart  in  pining  for  it, 
And  past  away. ' 


20  IDYLLS   OF  THE  KING 

To  whom  the  mother  said, 
'True  love,  sweet  son,  had  risk'd  himself  and  climb'd, 
And  handed  down  the  golden  treasure  to  him.'  6a 

And  Gareth  answer'd  her  with  kindling  eyes: 
Gold?  said  I  gold?  —  ay  then,  why  he,  or  she, 
Or  whosoe'er  it  was,  or  half  the  world 
Had  ventured  —  had  the  thing  I  spake  of  been 
Mere  gold  —  but  this  was  all  of  that  true  steel 
Whereof  they  forged  the  °brand  Excalibur, 
And  lightnings  play'd  about  it  in  the  storm, 
And  all  the  little  °fowl  were  flurried  at  it. 
And  there  were  cries  and  clashings  in  the  nest, 
That  sent  him  from  his  senses:  let  me  go.'  70 

Then  Bellicent  bemoan'd  herself  and  said: 
'Hast  thou  no  pity  upon  my  loneliness? 
Lo,  where  thy  father  Lot  beside  the  hearth 
Lies  like  a  log,  and  all  but  smoulde^^'d  out!  , 

For  ever  since  when  traitor  to  the  King 
He  fought  against  him  in  the  °barons'  war, 
And  Arthur  gave  him  back  his  territory. 
His  age  hath  slowly  droopt,  and  now  lies  there 
A  yet-warm  corpse,  and  yet  unburiable, 
Xo  more;  nor  sees,  nor  hears,  nor  speaks,  nor  knows.    80 
And  both  thy  brethren  are  in  Arthur's  hall. 
Albeit  neither  loved  with  that  full  love 
I  feel  for  thee,  nor  worthy  such  a  love. 
Stay  therefore  thou;  °red  berries  charm  the  bird, 
And  thee,  mine  innocent,  the  °jousts,  the  wars, 
AVho  never  knewest  finger-ache,  nor  pang 
Of  wrench'd  or  broken  limb  —  an  °often  chance 
In  those  brain-stunning  shocks,  and  °tourney-falls, 
Frights  to  my  heart ;  but  stay :  follow  the  deer 
By  these  tall  firs  and  our  fast-falling  °burns ;  90 


GARETH   AND    LYXETTE  21 

So  make  thy  manlioocl  mightier  day  by  day; 

Sweet  is  the  chase :  and  I  will  seek  thee  out 

Some  comfortable  °bride  and  fair,  to  grace 

Thy  climbing  life,  and  cherish  my  prone  year, 

Till  falling  into  Lot's  forgetfulness 

I  know  not  thee,  myself,  nor  anything. 

Stay,  my  best  son!  ye  are  yet  more  boy  than  man.' 

Then  Gareth:  'An  ye  hold  me  j-et  for  child, 
Hear  yet  once  more  the  story  of  the  child. 
^For,  mother,  there  was  once  a  king,  like  ours.  loa 

The  prince  his  heir,  when  tall  and  marriageable, 
Ask'd  for  a  bride;  and  thereupon  the  king 
Set  two  before  him.     One  was  fair,  strong,  arm'd  — 
But  to  be  °won  by  force  —  and  many  men 
Desired  her;  one,  °good  lack,  no  man  desired. 
And  these  were  the  conditions  of  the  king: 
That  save  he  won  the  first  by  force,  he  needs 
Must  wed  that  other,  whom  no  man  desired, 
A  red-faced  bride  Avho  knew  herself  so  vile 
That  ^evermore  she  long'd  to  hide  herself,  no 

Xor  fronted  man  or  woman,  eye  to  eye  — 
Yea  —  some  she  cleaved  to,  but  they  died  of  her. 
And  one  —  they  call'd  her  Fame;  and  one  —  (J  mother, 
How  can  3'e  keep  me  tether'd  to  you? —  Shame. 
Man  am  I  grown,  a  man's  work  must  I  do. 
Follow  the  deer?  follow  the  Christ,  the  King, 
Live  °pure,  speak  true,  right  wrong,  follow  the  King  — 
Else,  wherefore  born?' 

To  whom  the  mother  said: 
'Sweet  son,  for  there  be  many  who  deem  him  not, 
Or  will  not  deem  him,  wholly  proven  King —  120 

Albeit  in  mine  own  heart  I  knew  him  King 
When  I  was  °frequent  with  him  in  my  youth, 


22  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

And  heard  liim  kingly  speak,  and  doubted  him 
No  more  than  he,  himself;  but  felt  him  mine, 
Of  closest  kin  to  me :  yet  —  wilt  thou  leave 
Thine  °easeful  biding  here,  and  risk  thine  all, 
Life,  limbs,  for  one  that  is  not  proven  King? 
Stay,  till  the  °cloud  that  settles  round  his  birth 
Hath  lifted  but  a  little.     Stay,  sweet  son.' 

And  Gareth  answer'd  quickly:  'Xot  an  hour,  130 

So  that  ye  °yield  me  —  I  will  walk  thro'  hre, 
Mother,  to  gain  it  —  your  full  leave  to  go. 
Xot  °proven,  who  swept  the  dust  of  ruin'd  Eome 
From  off  the  threshold  of  the  realm,  and  crush'd 
The  "idolaters,  and  made  the  people  free? 
Who  should  be  king  save  him  who  makes  us  free? ' 

So  when  the  Queen,  who  long  had  sought  in  vain 
To  break  him  from  the  intent  to  which  he  grew, 
Found  her  son's  will  "unwaveringly  one. 
She  answer'd  craftily:  'Will  ye  walk  thro'  fire?  140 

Who  walks  thro'  fire  will  hardly  heed  the  smoke. 
Ay,  go  then,  an  ye  must :  only  one  "proof. 
Before  thou  ask  the  King  to  make  thee  knight, 
Of  thine  obedience  and  thy  love  to  me. 
Thy  mother,  —  I  demand. ' 

And  Gareth  cried : 
*A  hard  one,  or  a  hundred,  so  I  go. 
Xay  —  quick !  the  proof  to  "prove  me  to  the  quick ! ' 

But  slowly  spake  the  mother  looking  at  him  : 
'Prince,  thou  shalt  go  disguised  to  Arthur's  hall. 
And  hire  thyself  to  "serve  for  meats  and  drinks  150 

Among  the  scullions  and  the  "kitchen-knaves. 
And  those  that  hand  the  dish  across  the  "bar. 


GARETH   AXD    LYNETTE  23 

Xor  shalt  tliou  tell  thy  name  to  any  one. 

And  thou  shalt  serve  a  twelvemonth  and  a  day.* 

For  so  the  Queen  believed  that  when  her  son 
Beheld  his  only  way  to  glory  lead 
Low  down  thro'  "villain  kitchen-vassalage, 
Her  own  true  Gareth  Avas  too  °princely-proud 
To  pass  thereby;  so  should  he  rest  with  her, 
Closed  in  her  castle  from  the  sound  of  arms.  i6o 

Silent  awhile  was  Gareth,  then  replied: 
'The  °thrall  in  person  may  be  free  in  soul, 
And  I  shall  see  the  jousts.     Thy  son  am  I, 
And,  since  thou  art  my  mother,  must  obey. 
I  therefore  yield  me  freely  to  thy  will ; 
For  hence  will  I,  disguised,  and  hire  myself 
To  serve  w^ith  scullions  and  with  kitchen-knaves; 
is'or  tell  my  name  to  any  —  no,  not  the  King.' 

Gareth  awhile  linger'd.     The  mother's  eye 
Full  of  the  wistful  fear  that  he  would  go,  170 

And  turning  toward  him  wheresoe'er  lie  turn'd, 
Perplext  his  °outward  purpose,  till  an  hour 
When,  waken'd  by  the  wind  wliicli  with  full  voice 
Swept  bellowing  thro'  the  darkness  on  to  dawn, 
He  rose,  and  out  of  slumber  calling  two 
That  still  had  tended  on  him  from  his  birth. 
Before  the  wakeful  mother  heard  him,  went. 

The  three  were  clad  like  tillers  of  the  soil. 
Southward  they  set  their  faces.     The  birds  made 
Melody  on  branch  and  melody  in  mid  air.  iSo 

The  damp  hill-slopes  were  quicken'd  into  green, 
And  the  live  green  haxl  kindled  into  flowers, 
For  it  was  past  the  time  of  Easter-day. 


24  IDYLLS  OF  THE  KING 

So,  when  their  feet  were  planted  on  the  plain 
That  broaden' d  toward  the  base  of  °Camelot, 
Far  off  they  saw  the  °silver-misty  morn 
Eolling  her  smoke  about  the  royal  mount, 
That  rose  between  the  forest  and  the  held. 
At  times  the  summit  of  the  high  city  flash'd; 
At  times  the  spires  and  turrets  half-way  down  190 

°Prick'd  thro'  the  mist;  at  times  the  great  gate  shone 
Only,  that  open'd  on  the  field  below: 
Anon,  the  whole  fair  city  had  disappear'd. 

Then  those  who  went  with  Gareth  were  amazed, 
One  crying,  'Let  us  go  no  further,  lord: 
Here  is  a  city  of  enchanters,  built 
B}^  fairy  kings.'     The  second  echo'd  him, 
'Lord,  we  have  heard  from  our  wise  man  at  home 
To  northward,  that  this  king  is  not  the  King, 
But  only  °changeling  out  of  Fairyland,  200 

Who  drave  the  heathen  hence  by  °sorcery 
And  Merlin's  °glamour.'     Then  the  first  again, 
'Lord,  there  is  no  such  city  anywhere. 
But  all  a  vision.' 

.  -s. ;  Gareth  answer'd  them 

With  laughter,  swearing  he  had  glamour  enow 
In  his  own  blood,  his  princedom,  youth,  and  ho23es, 
To  plunge  old  Merlin  in  the  Arabian  sea; 
So  push'd  them  all  unwilling  toward  the  gate. 
And  there  was  no  °gate  like  it  under  heaven. 
For  barefoot  on  the  °keystone,  which  was  lined  210 

And  rippled  like  an  ever-fleeting  wave, 
The  Lady  of  the  Lake  stood :  all  her  dress 
Wept  from  her  sides  as  water  flowing  away; 
But  like  the  cross  her  great  and  goodly  arms 
Stretch'd  under  all  the  cornice  and  upheld: 


GARETH   AND    LYNETTE  25 

And  drops  of  water  fell  from  either  hand ; 

And  down  from  one  a  sword  was  hung,  from  one 

A  censer,  "either  worn  with  wind  and  storm; 

And  o'er  her  breast  floated  the  °sacred  fish; 

And  in  the  space  to  left  of  her,  and  right,  220 

Were  ° Arthur's  wars  in  weird  devices  done, 

Xew  things  and  old  °co-twisted,  as  if  Time 

Were  nothing,  so  inveterately  that  men 

Were  giddy  gazing  there;  and  over  all 

High  on  the  top  were  those  three  queens,  the  friends 

Of  Arthur,  who  should  help  him  at  his  need. 

Then  those  with  Gareth  for  so  long  a  space 
Stared  at  the  figures  that  at  last  it  seem'd 
The  °dragon-boughts  and  elvish  emblemings 
Began  to  move,  °seethe,  twine,  and  curl :  they  call'd      230 
To  Gareth,  'Lord,  the  gateway  is  alive.' 

And  Garetli  likewise  on  them  fixt  his  eyes 
So  long  that  even  to  him  they  seem'd  to  move. 
Out  of  the  city  a  blast  of  music  peal'd. 
Back  from  the  gate  started  the  three,  to  whom 
From  out  thereunder  came  an  ancient  man, 
Long-bearded,  saying,  'Who  be  je,  my  sons?' 

Then  Gareth:  'We  be  tillers  of  the  soil. 
Who  leaving  share  in  furrow  come  to  see 
The  glories  of  our  King:  but  these,  my  men,  —  240 

Your  city  moved  so  weirdly  in  the  mist  — 
Doubt  if  the  King  be  king  at  all,  or  come 
From  Fairyland;  and  whether  this  be  built 
By  magic,  and  by  fairy  kings  and  queens; 
Or  whether  there  be  any  city  at  all, 
Or  all  a  vision:  and  this  music  now 
Hath  scared  them  both,  but  tell  thou  these  the  truth.' 


26  IDYLLS   OF  THE  KING 

Then  that  old  °Seer  made  answer,  playing  on  him 
And  saying:  'Son,  I  have  °seen  the  good  ship  sail 
Keel  upward  aad  mast  downward,  in  the  heavens,        250 
And  solid  turrets  topsy-turvy  in  air: 
And  here  is  truth;  but  an  it  please  thee  not. 
Take  thou  the  °truth  as  thou  hast  told  it  me. 
For  truly,  as  thou  sayest,  a  fairy  king 
And  fairy  queens  have  built  the  city,  son; 
They  came  from  out  a  °sacred  mountain-cleft 
Toward  the  sunrise,  each  with  harp  in  hand. 
And  °built  it  to  the  music  of  their  harps. 
And,  as  thou  sayest,  it  is  enchanted,  son. 
For  there  is  nothing  in  it  as  it  seems  260 

Saving  the  King;  tho'  some  there  be  that  hold 
The  King  a  shadow,  and  the  city  real : 
Yet  take  thou  heed  of  him,  for,  so  thou  pass 
Beneath  this  archway,  then  wilt  thou  become 
A  thrall  to  his  enchantments,  for  the  King 
Will  bind  thee  by  such  vows  as  is  a  shame 
A  man  should  not  be  bound  by,  yet  the  which 
No  man  can  keep;  but,  so  thou  dread  to  swear, 
Pass  not  beneath  this  gateway,  but  abide 
Without,  among  the  cattle  of  the  held.  270 

For  an  ye  heard  a  music,  like  enow 
They  are  building  still,  seeing  the  city  is  built 
To  music,  therefore  never  built  at  all, 
And  therefore  built  for  ever.' 

Gareth  spake 
Anger'd:  'Old  master,  "reverence  thine  own  beard 
That  looks  as  white  as  utter  truth,  and  seems 
Wellnigh  as  long  as  thou  art  °statured  tall! 
Why  mockest  thou  the  stranger  that  hath  been 
To  thee  fair-spoken? ' 


GARETH   AND    LYNETTE  27 

But  the  Seer  replied: 
'Know  ye  not  then  the  "Riddling  of  the  Bards:  280 

"  Confusion,  and  illusion,  and  relation, 
Elusion,  and  occasion,  and  evasion"? 
I  mock  thee  not  but  as  thou  mockest  me, 
And  all  that  see  thee,  for  thou  art  not  who 
Thou  seemest,  but  I  know  thee  who  thou  art. 
And  now  thou  goest  up  to  mock  the  King, 
Who  cannot  °brook  the  shadow  of  any  lie.' 

Unmockingly  the  mocker  ending  here. 
Turned  to  the  right,  and  past  along  the  plain 5 
Whom  Gareth  looking  after  said:  'My  men,  290 

Our  one  white  lie  sits  like  a  little  ghost 
Here  on  the  threshold  of  our  enterprise. 
Let  love  be  blamed  for  it,  not  she,  nor  I : 
Well,  we  will  make  amends.' 

With  all  good  cheer 

He  spake  and  laugh'd,  then  enter'd  with  his  twain 

Camelot,  a  city  of  shadowy  palaces 

And  stately,  °rich  in  emblem  and  the  work 

Of  ancient  kings  who  °did  their  days  in  stone ; 

Which  Merlin's  hand,  the  Mage  at  Arthur's  court, 

Knowing  all  arts,  had  tonch'd,  and  everywhere,  300 

At  Arthur's  ordinance,  tijjt  with  lessening  peak 

And  pinnacle,  and  had  made  it  spire  to  heaven. 

And  ever  and  anon  a  knight  would  pass 

Outward,  or  inward  to  tlie  hall :  his  arms 

Clash'd;  and  the  sound  was  good  to  Gareth's  ear. 

And  out  of  bower  and  casement  shyly  glajiced 

Eyes  of  pure  women,  wholesome  stars  of  lovej 

And  all  about  a  healthful  people  stept 

As  in  the  presence  of  a  gracious  king. 


28  IDYLLS   OF  THE  KING 

Then  into  hall  Gareth  ascending  heard  310 

A  voice,  the  voice  of  Arthur,  and  beheld 
Far  over  heads  in  that  long-vaulted  hall 
The  splendor  of  the  presence  of  the  King 
Throned,  and  delivering  doom  —  and  look'd  no  more  — 
But  felt  his  young  heart  °hammering  in  his  ears, 
And  thought,  'For  this  half -shadow  of  a  lie 
The  truthful  King  will  doom  me  when  I  speak.' 
Yet  pressing  on,  tho'  all  in  fear  to  find 
Sir  Gawain  or  Sir  Modred,  saw  nor  one 
Nor  other,  but  in  all  the  listening  ej^'es  320 

Of  those  tall  knights  that  °raiiged  about  the  throne 
Clear  honor  shining  like  the  dewy  star 
Of  dawn,  and  faith  in  their  great  King,  with  pure 
Affection,  and  the  light  of  victory. 
And  glory  gain'd,  and  evermore  to  gain. 

Then  came  a  widow  crying  to  the  King: 
*A  boon.  Sir  King!     Thy  father,  Uther,  reft 
From  my  dead  lord  a  field  with  violence; 
For  howsoe'er  at  first  he  proffer'd  gold. 
Yet,  for  the  field  was  pleasant  in  our  eyes,  330 

We  yielded  not ;  and  then  he  reft  us  of  it 
Perforce  and  left  us  neither  gold  nor  field/ 

Said  Arthur,  °' Whether  would  ye?  gold  or  field?' 
To  whom  the  woman  weeping,  'Xay,  my  lord. 
The  field  was  pleasant  in  my  liusband's  eye.' 

And  Arthur:  'Have  thy  pleasant  field  again, 
And  thrice  the  gold  for  Uther's  use  thereof, 
According  to  the  years.     No  boon  is  here, 
But  justice,  so  thy  say  be  proven  true. 
Accursed,  °who  from  the  wrongs  his  father  did  340 

Would  shape  himself  a  right! ' 


GARETH   AN^D   LYXETTE  29 

And  while  she  past, 
Came  yet  another  widow  crying  to  him : 
'A  boon,  Sir  King!     Thine  enemy,  King,  am  I. 
With  thine  own  hand  thou  slewest  my  dear  lord, 
A  knight  of  Uther  in  the  °barons'  war, 
When  Lot  and  many  another  rose  and  fought 
Against  thee,  saying  thou  wert  basely  born. 
I  °held  with  these,  and  loathe  to  ask  thee  aught. 
Yet  lo!  my  husband's  brother  had  my  son 
Thrall'd  in  his  castle,  and  hath  starved  him  dead,        350 
And  °standeth  seized  of  that  inheritance 
Which  thou  that  slewest  the  sire  hast  left  the  son. 
So,  tho'  I  scarce  can  ask  it  thee  for  hate, 
Grant  me  some  knight  to  do  the  battle  for  me. 
Kill  the  foul  thief,  and  wreak  me  for  my  son.' 

Then  strode  a  good  knight  forward,  crying  to  him, 
A  boon.  Sir  King!     I  am  her  kinsman,  I. 
Give  me  to  right  her  wrong,  and  slay  the  man.' 

Then  came  Sir  Kay,  the  °seneschal,  and  cried, 
'A  boon.  Sir  King!  even  that  thou  grant  her  none,       360 
This  railer,  that  hath  mock'd  tliee  in  full  hall  — 
iSTone;  or  the  wholesome  boon  of  °gyve  and  gag.' 

But  Arthur:  *  We  sit  King,  to  help  the  wrong'd 
Thro'  all  our  realm.     The  woman  loves  her  lord. 
Peace  to  thee,  woman,  with  thy  loves  and  hates ! 
The  kings  of  old  °had  doom'd  thee  to  the  flames; 
Aurelius  °Emrys  would  have  scourged  thee  dead, 
And  Uther  slit  thy  tongue:  but  get  thee  hence  — 
Lest  that  rough  humor  of  the  kings  of  old 
Return  upon  me !     Thou  that  art  her  kin,  370 

Go  likewise  ;  °lay  him  low  and  slay  him  not, 
But  bring  him  here,  that  I  may  judge  the  right. 


30  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

According  to  the  justice  of  the  King: 
Then,  be  he  guilty,  by  that  deathless  King 
Who  lived  and  died  for  men,  the  man  shall  die.' 

Then  came  in  hall  the  messenger  of  Mark, 
A  name  of  evil  savor  in  the  land, 
The  Cornish  king.     In  either  hand  he  bore 
What  dazzled  all,  and  shone  far-off  as  shines 
A  field  of  °charlock  in  the  sudden  sun  380 

Between  two  showers,  a  cloth  of  palest  gold, 
Which  down  he  laid  before  the  throne,  and  knelt, 
Delivering  that  his  lord,  the  °vassal  king, 
Was  even  upon  his  "way  to  Camelot; 
For. having  heard  that  Arthur  °of  his  grace 
Had  made  his  goodly  °cousin  Tristram  knight, 
And,  for  °himself  was  of  the  greater  state. 
Being  a  king,  he  trusted  his  liege-lord 
Would  jdeld  him  this  large  honor  all  the  more; 
So  pray'd  him  well  to  accept  this  cloth  of  gold,  390 

In  token  of  true  heart  and  °fealty. 

Then  Arthur  °cried  to  rend  the  cloth,  to  rend 
In  pieces,  and  so  cast  it  on  the  hearth. 
An  oak-tree  smoulder'd  there.     *The  goodly  knight! 
What!  shall  the  shield  of  Mark  stand  among  these? ' 
For,  midway  down  the  side  of  that  long  hall, 
A  ^stately  pile,  —  whereof  along  the  front. 
Some  blazon 'd,  some  but  carven,  and  some  blank. 
There  ran  a  °treble  range  of  stony  shields,  — 
Rose,  and  high-arching  over-brow'd  the  hearth.  400 

And  under  every  shield  a  °knight  was  named. 
For  this  was  Arthur's  custom  in  his  hall: 
When  some  good  knight  had  done  one  noble  deed, 
His  arms  were  carven  only;  but  if  twain. 
His  arms  were  °blazon'd  also;  but  if  none, 


GARETH   AXD    LYXETTE  31 

The  shield  was  °blank  and  bare,  without  a  sign 

Saving  the  name  beneath :  and  Gareth  saw 

The  shield  of  Gawain  blazon'd  ricli  and  bright, 

And  Modred's  blank  as  death;  and  Arthur  cried 

To  rend  the  cloth  and  cast  it  on  the  hearth.  410 

^^lore  like  are  we  to  °reave  him  of  his  crown 
Than  make  him  knight  because  men  call  him  king. 
The  kings  we  found,  ye  know  we  stay'd  their  hands 
From  war  among  themselves,  but  left  them  kings j 
Of  °wliom  were  any  bounteous,  merciful. 
Truth-speaking,  brave,  good  livers,  them  we  enroll'd 
Among  us,  and  they  sit  within  our  hall. 
But  Mark  hath  tarnish' d  the  great  name  of  king, 
As  Mark  would  sully  the  low  state  of  °churl; 
And,  seeing  he  hath  sent  us  cloth  of  gold,  420 

Keturn,  and  meet,  and  °hold  him  from  our  eyes. 
Lest  we  should  °lap  him  up  in  cloth  of  lead, 
Silenced  for  ever  —  °craven  —  a  man  of  plots. 
Craft,  poisonous  counsels,  °wayside  ambushings  — 
Xo  fault  of  thine :  let  Kay  the  seneschal 
Look  to  thy  wants,  and  send  thee  satisfied  — 
Accursed,  who  strikes  nor  lets  the  hand  be  seen.' ' 

And  many  another  suppliant  crying  came 
With  noise  of  ravage  wrought  by  beast  and  man, 
And  °evermore  a  knight  would  ride  away.  •        43c 

°Last,  Gareth  leaning  both  hands  heavily 
Down  on  the  shoulders  of  the  twain,  his  men, 
Approach'd  between  them  toward  tlie  King,  and  ask'd, 
'A  boon.  Sir  King,'  —  his  voice  was  all  °ashamed,  — 
'For  see  ye  not  how  weak  and  hunger- worn 
I  seem  —  leaning  on  these?  grant  me  to  serve 
For  meat  and  drink  among  thy  kitchen-knaves 


32  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

A  twelvemonth  and  a  day,  nor  seek  my  name. 
Hereafter  I  will  fight/ 

To  him  the  King: 
'A  °goodly  youth  and  worth  a  goodlier  boon!  440 

But  so  thou  wilt  no  goodlier,  then  must  Kay, 
The  master  of  the  meats  and  drinks,  °be  thine/ 

He  rose  and  past;  then  Kay,  a  man  of  °mien 
°\yan-sallow  as  the  plant  that  feels  itself 
Root-bitten  by  white  °lichen: 

*Lo  ye  now! 
This  fellow  hath  broken  from  some  abbey,  where, 
God  °wot,  he  had  not  beef  and  brewis  enow. 
However  that  might  chance!  but  an  he  work, 
Like  any  pigeon  will  I  cram  his  crop, 
And  sleeker  shall  he  shine  than  any  hog.'  450 

Then  ^Lancelot  standing  near:  'Sir  Seneschal, 
°Sleuth-hound  thou  knowest,  and  gray,  and  all  the  hounds; 
A  horse  thou  knowest,  a  man  thou  dost  not  know: 
Broad  brows  and  fair,  a  °fluent  hair  and  fine. 
High  nose,  a  nostril  large  and  fine,  and  hands 
Large,  fair,  and  fine!  —  Some  young  lad's  mystery  — 
But,  or  from  °sheepcot  or  king's  hall,  the  boy 
Is  noble-natured.     Treat  him  with  all  grace. 
Lest  he  should  come  to  °shame  thy  judging  of  him.' 

Then  Kay:  'What  murmurest  thou  of  mystery?       460 
Think  ye  this  fellow  will  poison  the  King's  dish? 
Xay,  for  he  spake  too  fool-like :  mystery ! 
Tut,  an  the  lad  were  noble,  he  had  ask'd 
For  horse  and  armor:  fair  and  fine,  forsooth! 
Sir  Fine-face,  °Sir  Fair-hands?  but  see  thou  to  it 


GARETH  AND    LYNETTE  33 

That  thine  own  fineness,  Lancelot,  some  fine  day 
Undo  thee  not — ^and  leave  my  man  to  me/ 

So  Gareth  all  for  glory  underwent 
The  °sooty  yoke  of  kitchen-vassalage, 
Ate  with  young  lads  his  portion  by  the  door,  470 

And  couch'd  at  night  with  grimy  kitchen-knaves. 
And  Lancelot  ever  spake  him  pleasantly, 
But  Kay  the  seneschal,  who  loved  him  not, 
Would  hustle  and  harry  him,  and  labor  him 
Beyond  his  comrade  of  the  hearth,  and  set 
To  turn  the  °broach,  draw  water,  or  hew  wood, 
Or  ^grosser  tasks;  and  Gareth  bow'd  himself 
With  all  obedience  to  the  King,  and  wrought 
All  kind  of  service  with  a  noble  ease 
That  graced  the  lowliest  act  in  doing  it,  480 

And  when  the  thralls  had  talk  among  themselves, 
And  one  would  praise  the  love  that  linkt  the  King 
And  Lancelot  —  how  the  King  had  saved  his  life 
In  battle  twice,  and  Lancelot  once  the  King's  — 
For  Lancelot  was  the  first  in  tournament, 
But  Arthur  mightiest  on  the  battle-field  — 
Gareth  was  glad.     Or  if  some  other  told 
How  once  the  wandering  forester  at  dawn, 
Far  over  the  blue  °tarns  and  hazy  seas. 
On  °Caer-Eryri's  highest  found  the  King,  49c 

A  naked  babe,  of  whom  the  Prophet  spake, 
'He  passes  to  the  °Isle  Avilion, 
He  passes  and  is  heal'd  and  cannot  die '  — 
Gareth  was  glad.     But  if  their  talk  were  foul. 
Then  would  he  whistle  rapid  as  any  lark. 
Or  carol  some  old  °roundelay,  and  so  loud 
That  first  they  mock'd,  but,  after,  reverenced  him. 
Or  Gareth,  telling  some  prodigious  tale 
Of  Knights  who  "sliced  a  red  life-bubbling  way 


34  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

Thro'  twenty  folds  of  twisted  dragon,  held  50© 

All  in  a  °gap-mouth'd  circle  his  good  mates 

Lying  or  sitting  round  him,  idle  hands, 

Charm'd;  till  Sir  Kay,  the  seneschal,  would  come 

Blustering  upon  them,  like  a  sudden  wind 

Among  dead  leaves,  and  drive  them  all  apart. 

Or  when  the  thralls  had  sport  among  themselves, 

So  there  were  any  trial  of  mastery, 

He,  by  two  yards  in  casting  bar  or  stone, 

Was  counted  best ;  and  if  there  chanced  a  joust, 

So  that  Sir  Kay  nodded  him  leave  to  go,  510 

Would  hurry  thither,  and  when  he  saw  the  knights 

Clash  like  the  coming  and  retiring  wave. 

And  the  spear  spring,  and  good  horse  reel,  the  boy 

Was  half  beyond  himself  for  ecstasy. 

So  for  a  month  he  wrought  among  the  thralls; 
But  in  the  weeks  that  follow'd,  the  good  Queen, 
Kepentant  of  the  word  she  made  him  swear. 
And  saddening  in  her  childless  castle,  sent. 
Between  the  °in-crescent  and  de-crescent  moon, 
Arms  for  her  son,  and  loosed  him  from  his  vow.  520 

This,  Gareth  hearing  from  a  squire  of  Lot 
With  whom  he  used  to  play  at  tourney  once, 
When  both  were  children,  and  in  lonely  haunts 
Would  scratch  a  "ragged  oval  on  the  sand, 
And  each  at  either  dash  from  either  end  — 
Shame  never  made  girl  redder  than  Gareth  joy. 
He  laugh'd;  he  sprang.     *Out  of  the  smoke,  at  once 
1  leap  from  Satan's  foot  to  °Peter's  knee  — 
These  °news  be  mine,  none  other's  —  na}^,  the  King's  — 
Descend  into  the  city : '  whereon  he  sought  530 

The  King  alone,  and  found,  and  told  him  all. 


GARETH   AND    LYNETTE  35 

^I  have  °stagger'd  thy  strong  Gawain  in  a  tilt 
For  pastime;  yea,  he  said  it:  joust  can  I. 
Make  me  thy  knight  —  in  secret!  let  my  name 
Be  hidden,  and  give  me  the  first  quest,  I  spring 
Like  flame  from  ashes.' 

Here  the  King's  calm  eye 
Tell  on,  and  check'd,  and  made  him  flush,  and  bow 
Lowly,  to  kiss  his  hand,  who  answer'd  him: 
'Son,  the  good  mother  let  me  know  thee  here. 
And  sent  her  wish  that  I  would  °yield  thee  thine.         540 
Make  thee  my  knight?  my  knights  are  sworn  to  vows 
Of  °utter  hardihood,  utter  gentleness, 
And,  loving,  utter  faithfulness  in  love, 
And  uttermost  obedience  to  the  King.' 

Then  Gareth,  lightly  springing  from  his  knees: 
'My  King,  °for  hardihood  I  can  promise  thee. 
For  uttermost  obedience  make  °demand 
Of  whom  ye  gave  me  to,  the  Seneschal, 
No  °mellow  master  of  the  meats  and  drinks! 
And  as  for  love,  God  wot,  I  love  not  yet,  55a 

But  love  I  shall,  God  willing.' 

And  the  King: 
'Make  thee  my  knight  in  secret?  yea,  but  he. 
Our  noblest  brother,  and  our  truest  man, 
And  one  with  me  in  all,  he  needs  must  know.' 

'Let  Lancelot  know,  my  King,  let  Lancelot  know, 
Thy  noblest  and  thy  truest! ' 

And  the  King: 
'But  wherefore  would  ye  men  should  wonder  at  you? 
Nay,  rather  for  the  sake  of  me,  their  King, 


36  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KIXG 

And  the  deed's  sake  my  knighthood  do  the  deed, 
Than  to  be  noised  of.' 

Merrily  Gareth  ask'd:  560 

'Have  I  not  earn'd  my  cake  in  baking  of  it? 
Let  be  my  name  until  I  make  my  name ! 
My  deeds  will  speak :  it  is  but  for  a  day. ' 
So  with  a  kindly  hand  on  Gareth 's  arm 
Smiled  the  great  King,  and  half- an  willingly 
Loving  his  lusty  youthhood  yielded  to  him. 
Then,  after  summoning  Lancelot  privily : 
'I  have  given  him  the  first  quest:  he  is  not  proven. 
Look  therefore,  when  he  calls  for  this  in  hall, 
Thou  get  to  horse  and  follow  him  far  away.  570 

Cover  the  °lions  on  thy  shield,  and  see. 
Far  as  thou  mayest,  he  be  nor  ta'en  nor  slain.' 

Then  that  same  day  there  past  into  the  hall 
A  damsel  of  high  lineage,  and  a  °brow 
May -blossom,  and  a  °cheek  of  apple-blossom, 
Hawk-eyes ;  and  lightly  was  her  slender  nose 
°Tip-tilted  like  the  petal  of  a  flower : 
She  into  hall  past  with  her  page  and  cried  : 

'0  King,  °for  thou  hast  driven  the  foe  without,     * 
See  to  the  foe  within!  bridge,  ford,  beset  58a 

By  bandits,  every  one  that  owns  a  tower 
The  lord  of  half  a  league.     Why  sit  ye  there? 
Eest  would  I  not,  Sir  King,  an  I  were  king, 
Till  even  the  °lonest  hold  were  all  as  free 
From  cursed  bloodshed  as  thine  altar-cloth 
From  that  °best  blood  it  is  a  sin  to  spill. ' 

'Comfort  thyself,'  said  Arthur,  'I  nor  °mine 
Rest:  so  my  knighthood  keep  the  vows  they  swore, 


G  ARE  Til   AXD    LYNETTE  27 

The  "wastest  moorland  of  our  realm  shall  be 

Safe,  damsel,  as  the  centre  of  this  hall.  590 

What  is  thy  name?  thy  need?  ' 

*My  name?'  she  said  — 
'Lynette,  my  name;  noble;  my  need,  a  knight 
To  combat  for  my  sister,  Lyouors, 
A  lady  of  high  lineage,  of  great  lands, 
And  comely,  yea,  and  comelier  than  myself. 
She  lives  in  Castle  Perilous:  a  river 
Euns  in  three  loops  about  her  living-place; 
And  o'er  it  are  three  passings,  and  three  knights 
Defend  tlie  passings,  brethren,  and  a  fourth, 
And  of  that  four  the  mightiest,  holds  her  stay'd  600 

In  her  own  castle,  and  so  besieges  her 
To  break  her  will,  and  make  her  wed  with  him; 
And  but  delays  his  ^purport  till  thou  send 
To  do  the  battle  with  him  thy  chief  man 
Sir  Lancelot,  whom  he  trusts  to  overthrow ; 
Then  wed,  with  glory :  but  she  will  not  wed 
Save  whom  she  loveth,  or  a  °holy  life. 
Now  therefore  have  I  come  for  Lancelot. ' 

Then  Arthur  mindful  of  Sir  Gareth  ask'd: 
'Damsel,  ye  know  this  Order  lives  to  crush  610 

All  wrongers  of  the  realm.     But  say,  these  four. 
Who  be  they?     What  the  fashion  of  the  men? ' 

^They  be  of  foolish  fashion,  0  Sir  King, 
The  fashion  of  that  old  knight-errantry 
Who  ride  abroad,  and  do  but  what  they  will; 
Courteous  or  bestial  °from  the  moment,  such 
As  have  nor  law  nor  king;  and  three  of  these 
Proud  in  their  fantasy  call  themselves  the  Day, 
Morning-Star,  and  Xoon-Sun,  and  Evening-Star, 


38  IDYLLS  OF  THE  KING 

Being  strong  fools ;  and  never  a  whit  more  wise  620 

Tlie  fourth,  who  alway  rideth  arm'd  in  black, 

A  huge  man-beast  of  boundless  savagery. 

He  names  himself  the  ^ight  and  oftener  Death, 

And  wears  a  °helmet  mounted  with  a  skull, 

And  bears  a  skeleton  figured  on  his  arms, 

To  show  that  who  may  slay  or  scape  the  three, 

Slain  by  himself,  shall  enter  endless  night. 

And  all  these  four  be  fools,  but  mighty  men. 

And  therefore  am  I  come  for  Lancelot.' 

Hereat  Sir  Gareth  call'd  from  where  he  rose,  630 

A  head  with  kindling  eyes  above  the  throng, 
*A  boon,  Sir  King  —  this  quest!'  then  —  for  he  marked 
Kay  near  him  groaning  like  a  wounded  bull  — 
'Yea,  King,  thou  knowest  thy  kitchen-knave  am  I, 
And  mighty  thro'  thy  meats  and  drinks  am  I, 
And  I  can  topple  over  a  hundred  such. 
Thy  promise.  King,'  and  Arthur  glancing  at  him, 
Brought  down  a  momentary  brow.     'Rough,  sudden, 
And  pardonable,  worthy  to  be  knight  — 
Go  therefore,'  and  all  hearers  were  amazed.  640 

But  on  the  damsel's  forehead  shame,  pride,  wrath 
Slew  the  °may-white:  she  lifted  either  arm, 
'Fie  on  thee.  King!     I  ask'd  for  thy  chief  knight. 
And  thou  hast  given  me  but  a  kitchen-knave.'    . 
Then  ere  a  man  in  hall  could  stay  her,  turn'd. 
Fled  down  the  °lane  of  access  to  the  King, 
Took  horse,  descended  the  °slope  street,  and  past 
The  weird  white  gate,  and  paused  without,  beside 
The  field  of  tourney,  murmuring  'kitchen-knave! ' 

Kow  two  great  entries  open'd  from  the  hall,  65c 

At  one  end  one  that  gave  upon  a  range 


GARETH   AND    LYNETTE  39 

Of  level  pavement  where  the  King  would  pace 

At  sunrise,  gazing  over  plain  and  wood; 

And  down  from  this  a  lordly  stairway  sloped 

Till  lost  in  blowing  trees  and  tops  of  towers; 

And  out  by  this  main  doorway  past  the  King. 

But  one  was  "counter  to  the  hearth,  and  rose 

High  that  the  highest-crested  helm  could  ride 

Therethro'  nor  graze;  and  by  this  entry  tied 

The  damsel  in  her  wrath,  and  on  to  this  660 

Sir  Gareth  strode,  and  saw  without  the  door 

King  Arthur's  gift,  the  worth  of  half  a  town, 

A  war-horse  of  the  best,  and  near  it  stood 

The  two  that  out  of  north  had  follow'd  him. 

°This  bare  a  maiden  shield,  a  casque;  that  held 

The  horse,  the  spear;  whereat  Sir  Gareth  loosed 

A  cloak  that  dropt  from  collar-bone  to  heel, 

A  cloth  of  roughest  web,  and  cast  it  down, 

And  from  it,  like  a  °fuel-smother'd  hre 

That  lookt  half-dead,  °brake  bright,  and  flash' das  those  670 

Dull-coated  things,  that  making  slide  apart 

Their  dusk  wing-cases,  all  beneath  there  burns 

A  jewell'd  harness,  ere  they  pass  and  fly. 

So  Gareth  ere  he  parted  flash'd  in  arms. 

Then  as  he  °donn'd  the  helm,  and  took  the  shield 

And  mounted  horse  and  graspt  a  spear,  of  grain 

Storm-strengthen'd  on  a  windy  site,  and  tipt 

With  "trenchant  steel,  around  him  slowly  prest 

The  people,  while  from  out  of  kitchen  came 

The  tliralls  in  throng,  and  seeing  who  had  work'd        680 

Lustier  than  any,  and  whom  they  could  but  love, 

Mounted  in  arms,  threw  up  their  caps  and  cried, 

*God  bless  the  King,  and  all  his  fellowship! ' 

And  on  thro'  lanes  of  shouting-Gareth  rode 

Down  the  slope  street,  and  past  without  the  gate. 


40  IDYLLS  OF  THE  KING 

So  Gareth  past  with  joy ;  but  as  the  cur 
Pluckt  from  the  cur  he  fights  with,  ere  his  °cause 
Be  cool'cl  by  fighting,  follows,  being  named, 
His  owner,  but  remembers  all,  and  growls 
Eemembering,  so  Sir  Kay  beside  the  door  690 

Mutter'd  in  scorn  of  Gareth  whom  he  used 
To  harry  and  hustle. 

*  Bound  upon  a  quest 
With  horse  and  arms  —  the  °King  hath  past  his  time  — 
My  scullion  knave !     Thralls,  to  your  work  again, 
For  an  your  fire  be  low  ye  kindle  mine! 
Will  there  be  dawn  in  West  and  eve  in  East? 
Begone !  —  my  knave !  —  belike  and  like  enow 
Some  old  head-blow  not  heeded  in  his  youth 
So  shook  his  wits  they  wander  in  his  prime  — 
Crazed!     How  the  villain  lifted  up  his  voice,  700 

Nor  shamed  to  brawl  himself  a  kitchen-knave! 
Tut,  he  was  tame  and  meek  enow  with  me. 
Till  peacock'd  up  with  Lancelot's  noticing. 
Well  —  I  will  after  my  loud  knave,  and  learn 
Whether  he  know  me  for  his  master  yet. 
Out  of  the  smoke  he  came,  and  so  my  lance 
Hold,  by  God's  grace,  he  shall  into  the  mire  — 
Thence,  if  the  King  awaken  from  his  craze, 
Into  the  smoke  again.' 

But  Lancelot  said: 
*Kay,  wherefore  wilt  thou  go  against  the  King,  jia 

For  that  did  never  he  whereon  ye  rail. 
But  ever  meekly  °served  the  King  in  thee? 
Abide:  take  counsel;  for  this  lad  is  great 
And  lusty,  and  knowing  both  of  lance  and  sword.* 
'Tut,  tell  not  me,^  said  Kay,  'ye  are  overfine 
To  mar  stout  knaves  with  foolish  courtesies : ' 


GARETH  AND    LYNETTE  41 

Then  mounted,  on  thro'  silent  faces  rode 
Down  the  slope  city,  and  out  beyond  the  gate. 

But  by  the  field  of  tourney  lingering  yet 
Mutter'd  the  damsel:  'Wherefore  did  the  King  720 

Scorn  me?  for,  were  Sir  Lancelot  lackt,  at  least 
He  might  have  yielded  to  me  one  of  those 
Who  tilt  for  lady's  love  and  glory  here, 
Kather  than  — U  sweet  heaven!     0  fie  upon  him!  — 
His  kitchen-knave.' 

To  whom  Sir  Gareth  drew  — 
And  there  were  none  but  few  goodlier  than  he  — 
Shining  in  arms,  'Damsel,  the  quest  is  mine. 
Lead,  and  I  follow.'     She  thereat,  as  one 
That  smells  a  °foul-flesh'd  agaric  in  the  holt, 
And  deems  it  °carrion  of  some  woodland  thing,  730 

Or  shrew,  or  weasel,  nipt  her  slender  nose 
With  petulant  thumb  and  finger,  shrilling,  'Hence! 
Avoid,  -thou  smellest  all  of  kitchen-grease. 
And  look  who  comes  behind; '  for  there  was  Kay, 
'Knowest  thou  not  me?  thy  master?     I  am  Kay. 
We  lack  thee  by  the  hearth.' 

And  Gareth  to  him, 
'Master  no  more!  too  well  I  know  thee,  ay  — 
The  most  "ungentle  knight  in  Arthur's  hall.' 
'Have  at  thee  then,'  said  Kay:  they  shock'd,  and  Kay 
Fell  °shoulder-slipt,  and  Gareth  cried  again,  74a 

'Lead,  and  I  follow,'  and  fast  away  she  fled. 

But  after  sod  and  °shingle  ceased  to  fly 
Behind  her,  and  the  heart  of  her  good  horse 
Was  nigh  to  burst  with  violence  of  the  beat, 
Perforce  she  stay'd,  and  overtaken  spoke: 


42  IDYLLS   OF  THE  KING 

'What  doest  thou,  scullion,  in  my  °fellowship? 
Deem'stthou  that  I  accept  thee  aught  the  more 
Or  love  thee  better,  that  by  some  device 
Full  cowardly,  or  by  mere  °unhappiness, 
Thou  hast  overthrown  and  slain  thy  master — thou !  —    750 
Dish-washer  and  broach-turner,  °loon !  —  to  me 
Thou  smellest  all  of  kitchen  as  before.' 

'Damsel,'  Sir  Gareth  ansAver'd  gentl}^  'say 
Wliate'er  ye  will,  but  whatsoe'er  ye  say, 
I  leave  not  till  I  finish  this  fair  quest. 
Or  die  therefor.' 

'Ay,  wilt  thou  finish  it? 
Sweet  lord,  hov/  like  a  noble  knight  he  talks ! 
The  listening  rogue  hath  caught  the  manner  of  it. 
But,  knave,  anon  thou  shalt  be  met  with,  knave. 
And  then  by  such  a  one  that  thou  for  all  760 

The  kitchen  brewis  that  was  ever  supt 
Shalt  not  once  dare  to  look  him  in  the  face.' 

'I  shall  assaj','  said  Gareth  with  a  smile 
That  madden'd  her,  and  away  she  flash'd  again 
Down  the  long  avenues  of  a  boundless  wood. 
And  Gareth  following  was  again  °beknaved : 

'Sir  Kitchen-knave,  I  have  miss'd  the  only  way 
Where  Arthur's  men  are  set  along  the  wood; 
The  wood  is  nigh  as  full  of  thieves  as  leaves : 
If  both  be  slain,  I  am  rid  of  thee ;  but  3'et,  770 

Sir  Scullion,  canst  thou  use  that  °spit  of  thine? 
Fight,  an  thou  canst:  I  have  miss'd  the  only  way."* 

So  till  the  dusk  that  follow'd  evensong 
Rode  on  the  two,  reviler  and  reviled; 


G  A  RE  Til   AXD    LYXETTE  43 

Then  after  oije  long  slope  was  mounted,  saw, 

Bowl-shaped,  thro'  tops  of  many  thousand  pines 

A  gloomy-gladed  hollow  slowly  sink 

To  westward  —  in  the  deeps  whereof  a  °mere, 

Eound  as  the  red  eye  of  an  °eagle-owl, 

Under  the  half-dead  sunset  glared ;  and  shouts  •  7S0 

Ascended,  and  there  brake  a  servingman 

Flying  from  out  of  the  black  wood,  and  crying. 

'They  have  bound  my  lord  to  cast  him  in  the  mere.' 

Then  Gareth,  'Bound  am  I  to  right  the  wrong'd, 

But  °straitlier  bound  am  I  to  bide  with  thee.' 

And  when  the  damsel  spake  contemptuously, 

'Lead,  and  I  follow,'  Gareth  cried  again, 

'Follow,  I  lead! '  so  down  among  the  pines 

He  plunged;  and  there,  black-shadow'd  nigh  the  mere, 

And  mid-thigh-deep  in  bulrushes  and  reed,  790 

Saw  six  tall  men  °lialing  a  seventh  along, 

A  stone  about  his  neck  to  drown  him  in  it. 

Three  with  good  blows  he  quieted,  but  three 

Pled  thro'  the  pines;  and  Gareth  loosed  the  stone 

From  off  his  neck,  tlien  in  the  mere  beside 

Tumbled  it;  oilily  bubbled  up  the  mere. 

Last,  Gareth  loosed  his  bonds  and  on  free  feet 

Set  him,  a  stalwart  baron,  Arthur's  friend. 

'Well  that  ye  came,  or  else  these  °caitiff  rogues 
Had  wreak'd  themselves  on  me;  good  cause  is  theirs     Soo 
To  hate  me,  for  my  wont  hath  ever  been 
To  catch  my  thief,  and  then  like  °vermin  here 
Drown  him,  and  with  a  stone  about  his  neck; 
And  under  this  °wan  water  man}'  of  them 
Lie  rotting,  but  at  night  let  go  the  stone. 
And  rise,  and  flickering  in  a  grimly  light 
Dance  on  the  mere.     Good  now,  ye  have  saved  a  life 
Worth  somewhat  as  the  cleanser  of  this  wood. 


44  IDYLLS   OF   THE  KING 

And  fain  would  I  reward  thee  worshipfully. 
What  guerdon  will  ye?  ' 

Gareth  sharply  spake :  810 

'None!  for  the  deed's  sake  have  I  done  the  deed, 
In  uttermost  obedience  to  the  King. 
But  wilt  thou  yield  this  damsel  ^harborage? ' 

Whereat  the  baron  saying,  'I  well  believe 
You  be  of  Arthur's  Table,'  a  light  laugh 
Broke  from  Lynette:  'Ay,  truly  of  a  truth, 
And  in  a  sort,  being  Arthur's  kitchen-knave!  — 
But  deem  not  I  accept  thee  aught  the  more. 
Scullion,  for  running  sharply  with  thy  spit 
Down  on  a  °rout  of  craven  foresters.  820 

A  thresher  with  his  flail  °had  scatter'd  them. 
Nay  —  for  thou  smellest  of  the  kitchen  still. 
But  an  this  lord  will  yield  us  harborage, 
Well.' 

So  she  spake.     A  league  beyond  the  wood, 
All  in  a  full-fair  manor  and  a  rich. 
His  towers,  where  that  day  a  feast  had  been 
Held  in  high  hall,  and  many  a  viand  left. 
And  many  a  costly  °cate,  received  the  three. 
And  there  they  placed  a  peacock  in  his  pride 
Before  the  damsel,  and  the  baron  set  830 

Gareth  beside  her,  but  at  once  she  rose. 

^'Meseems,  that  here  is  much  discourtesy. 
Setting  this  knave.  Lord  Baron,  at  my  side. 
Hear  me  —  this  morn  I  stood  in  Arthur's  hall, 
And  pray'd  the  King  would  grant  me  Lancelot 
To  fight  the  brotherhood  of  Day  and  Night  — 
The  last  a  monster  unsubduable 


GARF/ril    AND    LYNETTE  45 

Of  any  save  of  him  for  whom  I  call'd  — 

Sucldenl}^  bawls  this  °frontless  kitchen-knave, 

"The  quest  is  mine;  thy  kitchen-knave  am  I,  840 

And  mighty  thro'  thy  meats  and  drinks  am  I." 

Then  Arthur  all  at  once  gone  mad  replies, 

"Go  therefore,"  and  so  gives  the  quest  to  him  — 

Him  —  here  —  a  villain  fitter  to  °stick  swine 

Than  ride  abroad  redressing  women's  wronj;. 

Or  sit  beside  a  noble  gentlewoman.' 


'o> 


Then  half -ashamed  and  part-amazed,  the  lord 
Now  look'd  at  one  and  now  at  other,  left 
The  damsel  by  the  peacock  in  his  pride, 
And,  seating  Gareth  at  another  board,  850 

Sat  down  beside  him,  ate  and  then  began: 

'Friend,  whether  thou  be  kitclien-knave,  or  not, 
Or  whether  it  be  the  maiden's  fantasy, 
And  whether  she  be  mad,  or  else  the  King, 
Or  both  or  neither,  or  thyself  be  mad, 
I  ask  not:  but  thou  strikest  a  strong  stroke, 
For  strong  thou  art  and  goodly  therewithal 
And  saver  of  my  life ;  and  therefore  now, 
For  here  be  mighty  men  to  joust  with,  weigh 
Wliether  thou  wilt  not  with  tliy  damsel  back  86c 

To  crave  again  Sir  Lancelot  of  the  King. 
Thy  pardon ;  I  but  speak  for  thine  °avail, 
The  saver  of  my  life.' 

And  Gareth  said, 
'Full  pardon,  but  I  follow  up  the  quest. 
Despite  of  Day  and  Night  and  Death  and  Hell.' 

So  when,  next  morn,  the  lord  whose  life  he  saved 
Had,  some  brief  space,  convey'd  them  on  their  way 


46  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  left  them  with  God-speed,  Sir  Gareth  spake, 
'Lead,  and  I  follow/     Haughtily  she  replied: 

*I  fly  no  more:  I  allow  thee  for  an  hour.  870 

Lion  and  °stoat  have  isled  together,  knave, 
In  time  of  flood.     Kay,  furthermore,  methinks 
Some  °ruth  is  mine  for  thee.     Back  wilt  thou,  fool? 
For  hard  by  here  is  one  will  overthrow 
And  slay  thee;  then  will  I  to  court  again. 
And  shame  the  King  for  only  yielding,  me 
My  champion  from  the  ashes  of  his  hearth.' 

To  whom  Sir  Gareth  answer'd  courteously: 
'Say  thou  thy  say,  and  I  will  do  my  deed. 
Allow  me  for  mine  hour,  and  thou  wilt  find  88e 

My  fortunes  all  as  fair  as  °hers  who  lay 
Among  the  ashes  and  wedded  the  King's  son.' 

Then  to  the  shore  of  one  of  those  long  loops 
Wherethro'  the  serpent  river  coil'd,  they  came. 
Eough-thicketed  were  the  banks  and  steep;  the  stream 
Full,  narrow ;  this  a  bridge  of  single  arc 
Took  at  a  leap;  and  on  the  further  side 
Arose  a  silk  pavilion,  gay  with  gold 
Li  streaks  and  rays,  and  all  °Lent-lily  in  hue. 
Save  that  the  dome  was  purple,  and  above,  890 

Crimson,  a  slender  banneret  fluttering. 
And  therebefore  the  lawless  warrior  paced 
Unarm'd,  and  calling,  'Damsel,  is  this  he, 
The  champion  thou  hast  brought  from  Arthur's  hall? 
For  whom  we  let  thee  pass.'     'Nay,  nay,'  she  said, 
'Sir  Morning-Star.     The  King  in  utter  scorn 
Of  thee  and  thy  much  folly  hath  sent  thee  here 
His  kitchen-knave :  and  look  thou  to  thyself : 


GARETH   AND    LYNETTE  47 

See  that  he  fall  not  on  thee  suddenly, 

And  slay  thee  unarmed;  he  is  not  knight  but  knave.'    900 

Then  at  his  call,  *0  daughters  of  the  Dawn, 
And  servants  of  the  ]Morning-Star,  approach, 
Arm  me,'  from  out  the  silken  curtain-folds 
Bare-footed  and  bare-headed  three  fair  girls 
In  gilt  and  rosy  raiment  came :  their  feet 
In  dewy  grasses  glisten'd;  and  the  hair  " 
All  over  glanced  with  dewdrop  or  with  gem 
Like  sparkles  in  the  stone  °Avanturine. 
These  arm'd  him  in  blue  arms,  and  gave  a  shield 
Blue  also,  and  thereon  the  morning  star.  910 

And  Gareth  silent  gazed  upon  the  knight. 
Who  stood  a  moment,  ere  his  horse  was  brought, 
°Glorying ;  and  in  the  stream  beneath  him  shone, 
Immingled  with  Heaven's  azure  waveringly. 
The  gay  pavilion  and  the  naked  feet. 
His  arms,  the  rosy  raiment,  and  the  star. 

Then  she  that  watcli'd  him:  'Wherefore  stare  ye  so? 
Thou  shakest  in  thy  fear:  there  yet  is  time: 
Flee  down  the  valley  before  he  get  to  horse. 
Who  will  cry  shame ?    Thou  art  not  knight  but  knave. '  920 

Said  Gareth:  'Damsel,  whether  knave  or  knight. 
Far  liefer  had  I  fight  a  score  of  times 
Than  hear  thee  so  missay  me  and  revile. 
Fair  words  were  best  for  him  who  fights  for  thee; 
But  truly  foul  are  better,  for  they  send 
That  strength  of  anger  thro'  mine  arms,  I  know 
That  I  shall  overthrow  him.' 

And  he  that  bore 
The  star,  when  mounted,  cried  from  o'er  the  bridge : 


48  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

*A  kitchen-knave,  and  sent  in  scorn  of  me! 

Such  fight  not  I,  but  answer  scorn  with  scorn.  930 

For  this  were  shame  to  do  him  further  wrong 

Than  set  him  on  his  feet,  and  take  his  horse 

And  arms,  and  so  return  him  to  the  King. 

Come,  therefore,  leave  thy  lady  °lightly,  knave. 

Avoid :  for  it  °beseemeth  not  a  knave 

To  ride  with  such  a  lady.' 

'Dog,  thou  liest! 
I  spring  from  loftier  lineage  than  thine  own.* 
He  spake;  and  all  at  tiery  speed  the  two 
Shock'd  on  the  "central  bridge,  and  either  spear 
Bent  but  not  brake,  and  either  knight  at  once,  94a 

Hurl'd  as  a  stone  from  out  of  a  catapult 
Be3'ond  the  horse's  crupper  and  the  bridge, 
Fell,  as  if  dead;  but  quickly  rose  and  drew, 
And  Gareth  lash'd  so  fiercely  with  his  brand 
He  drave  his  enemy  backward  down  the  bridge, 
The  damsel  crying,  'Well-stricken,  kitchen-knave! ' 
Till  Gareth's  shield  was  cloven;  but  one  stroke 
Laid  him  that  clove  it  °gro veiling  on  the  ground. 

Then  cried  the  fallen,  'Take  not  my  life:  I  yield.' 
And  Gareth,  'So  this  damsel  ask  it  of  me  950 

Good  —  I  accord  it  easily  as  a  °grace.' 
She  reddening,  'Insolent  scullion!     I  of  thee? 
I  bound  to  thee  for  any  favor  ask'd! ' 
'Then  shall  he  die.'     And  Gareth  there  unlaced 
His  helmet  as  to  slay  him,  but  she  shriek'd 
'Be  not  so  hardy,  scullion,  as  to  slay 
One  nobler  than  thyself.'     'Damsel,  thy  charge 
Is  an  abounding  pleasure  to  me.     Knight, 
Thy  life  is  thine  at  her  command.     Arise 
And  quickly  pass  to  Arthur's  hall,  and  say  96a 


G ABET II   AXD    LYNETTE  49 

His  kitchen-knave  hath  sent  thee.     See  thou  crave 
His  pardon  for  thy  breaking  of  his  laws. 
Myself  when  I  return  will  plead  for  thee. 
Thy  shield  is  mine  —  farewell;  and,  damsel,  thou, 
Lead,  and  I  follow.' 

And  fast  away  slie  fled; 
Then  when  he  came  upon  her,  spake:  '^lethought, 
Knave,  when  I  watch'd  thee  striking  on  the  bridge. 
The  savor  of  thy  kitchen  came  upon  me 
A  little  faintlier:  but  the  wind  hath  changed; 
I  scent  it  twenty-fold.'     And  then  she  sang,  970 

"'0  morning  star"  —  not  that  tall  °felon  there, 
Whom  °thou,  by  sorcery  or  unhappiness 
Or  some  device,  hast  foully  overthrown.  — 
"  0  morning  star  that  smilest  in  the  blue, 
0  star,  my  morning  dream  hath  proven  true, 
Smile  sweetly,  thou!  my  love  hath  smiled  on  me.'' 

'But  thou  begone,  take  counsel,  and  away, 
For  hard  by  here  is  one  that  guards  a  ford  — 
The  second  brother  in  their  fool's  °parable  — 
Will  pay  thee  all  thy  wages,  and  to  boot.  980 

Care  not  for  shame:  thou  art  not  knight  but  knave.' 

To  whom  Sir  Gareth  answer'd,  laughingly: 
'Parables?     Hear  a  parable  of  the  knave. 
When  I  was  kitchen-knave  among  the  rest, 
Fierce  was  the  hearth,  and  one  of  my  co-mates 
Own'd  a  rough  dog,  to  whom  he  cast  his  coat, 
''Guard  it,"  and  there  was  none  to  meddle  with  it. 
And  such  a  coat  art  tliou,  and  thee  the  King 
Gave  me  to  guard,  and  such  a  dog  am  I, 
To  ° worry,  and  not  to  flee  ;   and — knight  or  knave —    99 
The  knave  that  doth  thee  service  as  full  knight 


50  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Is  all  as  good,  meseems,  as  any  knight 
Toward  thy  sister's  freeing/ 

'Ay,  Sir  Knave! 
Ay,  knave,  because  thou  strikest  as  a  knight, 
Being  but  knave,  I  hate  thee  all  the  more.' 

'Fair  damsel,  you  should  worship  me  the  more, 
That,  being  but  knave,  I  throw  thine  enemies.' 

*Ay,  ay,'  she  said,  'but  thou  shalt  meet  thy  match.' 

So  when  they  touch'd  the  second  river-loop. 
Huge  on  a  high  red  horse,  and  all  in  mail  lo 

Burnish' d  to  "blinding,  shone  the  Noonday  Sun 
Beyond  a  raging  shallow.     As  if  the  °flower 
That  blows  a  globe  of  after  arrowlets 
Ten-thousand-fold  had  grown,  flash'd  the  fierce  shield. 
All  sun;  and  Gareth's  eyes  had  °flying  blots 
Before  them  when  he  turn'd  from  watching  him. 
He  from  beyond  the  roaring  shallow  roar'd, 
'What  doest  thou,  "brother,  in  my  marches  here?' 
And  she  athwart  the  shallow  shrill'd  again, 
'Here  is  a  kitchen-knave  from  Arthur's  hall  ic 

Hath  overthrown  thy  brother,  and  hath  his  arms.' 
'Ugh! '  cried  the  Sun,  and,  "vizoring  up  a  red 
And  "cipher  face  of  rounded  foolishness, 
Push'd  horse  across  the  foamings  of  the  ford, 
Whom  Gareth  met  mid-stream;  no  room  was  there 
For  lance  or  tourney-skill;  four  strokes  they  struck 
With  sword,  and  these  were  mighty;  the  new  knight 
Had  fear  he  might  be  shamed;  but  as  the  Sun 
Heaved  up  a  ponderous  arm  to  strike  the  fifth. 
The  hoof  of  his  horse  slipt  in  the  stream,  the  stream     ic 
Descended,  and  the  Sun  was  wash'd  away. 


GARETH   AXD    LYXETTE  51 

Then  Gareth  laid  his  lance  athwart  the  ford; 
So  drew  him  home;  but  he  that  fought  no  more, 
As  being  all  bone-batter'd  on  the  rock, 
Yielded;  and  Gareth  sent  him  to  the  King. 
'Myself  when  I  return  will  plead  for  thee. 
Lead,  and  I  follow.'    Quietly  she  led. 
'Hath  not  the  good  wind,  damsel,  changed  again?' 
'Xay,  not  a  point;  nor  art  thou  victor  here. 
There  lies  a  ridge  of  slate  across  the  ford ;  1030 

His  horse  thereon  stumbled  —  ay,  for  I  saw  it. 

*'•'  0  sun"  —  not  this  strong  fool  whom  thou,  Sir  Knave, 
Hast  overthrown  thro'  mere  unhappiness  — 
"  0  sun,  that  wakenest  all  to  bliss  or  pain, 
0  moon,  that  layest  all  to  sleep  again, 
Shine  sweetly:  twice  my  love  hath  smiled  on  me." 

'What  knowest  thou  of  love-song  or  of  love? 
Xay,  nay,  God  wot,  so  thou  were  nobly  born. 
Thou  hast  a  pleasant  2)resence.     Yea,  perchance,  — 

'"  0  dewy  flowers  that  open  to  the  sun,  1040 

0  dewy  flowers  that  close  when  day  is  done. 
Blow  sweetly:  twice  my  love  hath  smiled  on  me." 

'What  knowest  thou  of  flowers,  except,  belike, 
To  garnish  meats  with?  hath  not  our  good  King 
Who  lent  me  thee,  the  flower  of  kitchendom. 
A  foolish  love  for  flowers?  what  stick  ye  round    . 
The  pasty?  wherewithal  deck  the  boar's  head? 
Flowers?  nay,  the  boar  hath  °rosemaries  and  bay. 

^"0  birds  that  warble  to  the  morning  sky, 
0  birds  that  warble  as  the  day  goes  by,  1050 

Sing  sweetly:  twice  my  love  hath  smiled  on  me." 


52  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

'What  knowest  thou  of  birds,  lark,  °mavis,  merle, 
Linnet?  what  dream  ye  when  they  utter  forth 
May-music  growing  with  the  growing  light, 
Their  sweet  sun-worship?  these  be  for  the  snare  — 
So  runs  thy  fancy  —  these  be  for  the  spit. 
Larding  and  basting.     See  thou  have  not  now 
Larded  thy  last,  except  thou  turn  and  fly. 
There  stands  the  third  fool  of  their  allegory.' 

For  there  beyond  a  bridge  of  °treble  bow,  io6g 

All  in  a  rose-red  from  the  west,  and  all 
Naked  it  seemM,  and  glowing  in  the  broad 
°Deep-dimpled  current  underneath,  the  knight 
That  named  himself  the  Star  of  Evening  stood. 

And  Gareth,  'Wherefore  waits  the  madman  there 
Naked  in  open  dayshine?'     'Nay,'  she  cried, 
'Not  naked,  only  wrapt  in  harden' d  skins 
That  fit  him  like  his  own;  and  so  ye  cleave 
His  armor  off  him,  these  will  turn  the  blade.' 

Then  the  third  brother  shouted  o'er  the  bridge,        1070 
'0  brother-star,  why  shine  ye  here  so  low? 
Thy  °ward  is  higher  up :  but  have  ye  slain 
The  damsel's  champion?'  and  the  damsel  cried: 

'No  star  of  thine,  but  shot  from  Arthur's  heaven 
With  all  "disaster  unto  thine  and  thee ! 
For  both  thy  younger  brethren  have  gone  down 
Before  this  youth;  and  so  wilt  thou,  Sir  Starj 
Art  thou  not  old  ?  ' 

'Old,  damsel,  old  and  hard. 
Old,  with  the  might  and  breath  of  twenty  boys.' 
Said  Gareth,  'Old,  and  over-bold  in  °brag!  3080 


GARETH   AND    LYNETTE  53 

But  that  same  strength  which  threw  the  Morning  Star 
Can  throw  the  Evening. ' 

Then  that  other  blew 
A  hard  and  deadly  note  upon  the  horn. 
'Approach  and  arm  me! '     With  slow  steps  from  out 
An  old  storm-beaten,  russet,  many-stain'd 
Pavilion,  forth  a  grizzled  damsel  came, 
And  arm'd  him  in  old  arms,  and  brought  a  helm 
With  but  a  drying  evergreen  for  crest. 
And  gave  a  shield  whereon  the  star  of  even 
Half-tarnish^d  and  half-bright,  his  emblem,  shone.     1090 
But  when  it  glittered  o'er  the  saddle-bow, 
They  madly  hurl'd  together  on  the  bridge; 
And  Gareth  overthrew  him,  lighted,  drew, 
There  met  him  °drawn,  and  overthrew  him  again, 
But  up  like  fire  he  started :  and  as  oft 
As  Gareth  brought  him  grovelling  on  his  knees, 
So  many  a  time  he  "vaulted  up  again; 
Till  Gareth  panted  hard,  and  his  great  heart, 
Foredooming  all  his  trouble  was  in  vain, 
Labor'd  within  him,  for  he  °seem'd  as  one  noo 

That  all  in  later,  sadder  age  begins 
To  war  against  ill  uses  of  a  life. 
But  these  from  all  his  life  arise,  and  cry, 
'Thou  hast  made  us  lords,  and  canst  not  put  us  down! ' 
He  half  despairs;  so  Gareth  seem'd  to  strike 
Vainly,  the  damsel  clamoring  all  the  while, 
'  Well  done,  knave-knight,  well  stricken,  0  good  knight- 
knave  — 
0  knave,  as  noble  as  any  of  ail  the  knights  — 
Shame  me  not,  shame  me  not.     I  have  ^prophesied  — 
Strike,  thou  art  worthy  of  the  Table  Kound —  n?^ 

His  arms  are  old,  he  trusts  the  harden'd  skin  — 
Strike  —  strike  —  the  wind  will  never  change  again.* 


54  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  Gareth  hearing  ever  stronglier  smote, 
And  bew'd  great  pieces  of  his  armor  off  him, 
But  lash'd  in  vain  against  the  harden'd  skin, 
And  coukl  not  wholly  bring  him  under,  more 
Than  loud  °Southwesterns,  rolling  ridge  on  ridge, 
The  buoy  that  rides  at  sea,  and  dips  and  springs 
For  ever;  till  at  length  Sir  Gareth's  brand 
Clash' d  his,  and  brake  it  utterly  to  the  hilt. 
'1  have  thee  now; '  but  forth  that  other  sprang, 
And,  all  unknightlike,  °writhed  his  wiry  arms 
Around  him,  till  he  felt,  despite  his  mail. 
Strangled,  but  straining  even  his  uttermost 
Cast,  and  so  hurl'd  him  headlong  o'er  the  bridge 
Down  to  the  river,  sink  or  swim,  and  cried, 
*Lead,  and  I  follow.' 

,SJ3  But  the  damsel  said : 

*I  lead  no  longer;  ride  thou  at  my  side; 
Thou  art  the  kingliest  of  all  kitchen-knaves. 


*"0  °trefoil,  sparkling  on  the  rainy  plain,  1130 

0  rainbow  with  three  colors  after  rain. 
Shine  sweetly:  thrice  my  love  hath  smiled  on  me." 


*Sir,  — and,  good  faith,  I  fain  had  added  —  Knight, 
But  that  I  heard  thee  call  thyself  a  knave,  — 
Shamed  am  I  that  I  so  rebuked,  reviled, 
Missaid  thee :  noble  I  am ;  and  thought  the  King 
Scorn'd  me  and  mine;  and  now  thy  pardon,  friend. 
For  thou  hast  ever  answer'd  courteously. 
And  wholly  bold  thou  art,  and  meek  withal 
As  any  of  Arthur's  best,  but,  being  knave,  1140 

Hast  mazed  my  wit:  I  marvel  what  thou  art.' 


GARETII   AND    LYNETTE  55 

*Damsel,'  he  said,  'you  be  not  all  to  blame, 
Saving  that  you  mistrusted  our  good  King 
Would  handle  °scorn,  or  yield  you,  asking,  one 
Not  fit  to  cope  your  quest.     You  said  your  say; 
Mine  answer  was  my  deed.     °Good  sooth!  I  hold 
He  scarce  is  knight,  yea  but  half -man,  nor  meet 
To  fight  for  gentle  damsel,  he,  who  lets 
His  heart  be  stirr'd  witli  any  foolish  heat 
At  any  gentle  damsel's  "waywardness.  1150 

Shamed?  care  not!  thy  foul  sayings  fought  for  me: 
And  seeing  now  thy  words  are  fair,  methinks 
There  rides  no  knight,  not  Lancelot,  his  great  self, 
Hath  force  to  quell  me.' 

Xigli  upon  that  hour 
When  the  lone  hern  forgets  his  melancholy, 
Lets  down  his  other  leg,  and  stretching  dreams 
Of  goodly  supper  in  the  distant  pool, 
Then  turn'd  the  noble  damsel  smiling  at  him. 
And  told  him  of  a  cavern  hard  at  hand, 
Where  bread  and  baken  meats  and  good  red  wine        1160 
Of  Southland,  which  the  Lady  Lyonors 
Had  sent  her  coming  champion,  waited  him. 

Anon  they  past  a  narrow  °comb  wherein 
Were  slabs  of  rock  witli  figures,  knights  on  horse 
Sculptured,  and  deckt  in  slowly-waning  hues. 
'Sir  Knave,  my  knight,  a  hermit  once  was  here, 
Whose  holy  hand  hath  fashion 'd  on  the  rock 
The  war  of  Time  against  the  soul  of  man. 
And  yon  four  fools  have  °suck'd  their  allegory 
From  these  damp  walls,  and  taken  but  the  form.  1170 

Know  ye  not  these? '  and  Gareth  lookt  and  read  — 
In  letters  like  to  those  the  °vexillary 
Hath  left  crag-carven  o'er  the  streaming  Gelt  — 


56  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

°  'Phosphorus/  then  'Meridies,'  —  'Hesperus  '  — 

'Nox'  —  'Mors/  beneath  live  tigures,  armed  men, 

Slab  after  shib,  their  faces  forward  all, 

And  running  down  the  Soul,  a  shape  that  fled 

With  broken  wings,  torn  raiment,  and  loose  hair, 

For  help  and  shelter  to  the  hermit's  cave. 

'Follow  the  faces,  and  we  find  it.     Look,  1180 

Who  comes  behind?' 

For  one  —  delay'd  at  first 
Thro'  helping  back  the  °dislocated  Kay 
To  Camelot,  then  by  what  thereafter  chanced. 
The  damsel's  headlong  error  thro'  the  wood —  . 
Sir  Lancelot,  having  swum  the  river-loops  — 
His  °blue  shield-lions  cover'd  —  softly  drew 
Behind  the  twain,  and  when  he  saw  the  star 
Gleam,  on  Sir  Gareth's  turning  to  him,  cried, 
'Stay,  felon  knight,  I  avenge  me  for  my  friend.' 
And  Gareth  crying  prick'd  against  the  cry;  1190 

But  when  they  closed  —  in  a  moment  —  at  one  touch 
Of  that  skill'd  spear,  the  wonder  of  the  world  — 
Went  sliding  down  so  easily,  and  fell, 
That  when  he  found  the  grass  within  his  hands 
He  laugh'd;  the  laughter  jarr'd  upon  Lynette: 
Harshly  she  ask'd  him,  'Shamed  and  overthrown, 
And  tumbled  back  into  the  kitchen-knave. 
Why  laugh  ye?  that  ye  blew  your  boast  in  vain?' 
'Nay,  noble  damsel,  but  that  I,  the  son 
Of  old  King  Lcj  and  good  Queen  Bellicent,  1200 

And  victor  of  the  bridges  and  the  ford. 
And  knight  of  Arthur,  here  lie  thrown  by  whom 
I  know  not,  all  thro'  mere  unhappiness  — 
Device  and  sorcery  and  unhappiness  — 
Out,  sword;  we  are  thrown ! '     And  Lancelot  answer'd: 
'Prince, 


G  A  RE  Til    AND    LYNETTE  57 

0  Garetli  —  thro'  the  mere  unhappiness 

Of  one  who  came  to  help  thee,  not  to  harm, 
Lancelot,  and  all  as  glad  to  find  thee  whole 
As  on  the  day  when  Artliur  knighted  him.' 

Then  Gareth :  'Thou  —  Lancelot! — thine  the  hand    12 lo 
That  threw  me?     An  some  chance  to  mar  the  boast 
Thy  brethren  of  thee  make  —  which  could  not  chance  — 
Had  sent  thee  down  before  a  lesser  spear, 
Shamed  had  1  been,  and  sad  —  0  Lancelot  —  thou !  ' 

Whereat  the  maiden,  petulant:  'Lancelot, 
Why  came  ye  not,  when  call'd?  and  wherefore  now 
Come  ye,  not  call'd?     I  gloried  in  my  knave, 
Who  being  still  rebuked  would  answer  still 
Courteous  as  any  knight  —  but  now,  if  knight, 
The  marvel  dies,  and  leaves  me  fool'd  and  trick'd,      1220 
And  only  wondering  wherefore  °played  upon ; 
And  doubtful  whether  I  and  mine  be  scorn'd. 
Where  should  be  truth  if  not  in  Arthur's  hall, 
In  Arthur's  presence?     Knight,  knave,  prince  and  fool, 

1  hate  thee  and  forever.' 

And  Lancelot  said: 
'Blessed  be  thou,  Sir  Gareth!  knight  art  thou 
To  the  King's  best  wish.     0  damsel,  be  you  wise, 
To  call  him  shamed  who  is  but  overthrown? 
Thrown  have  I  been,  nor  once,  but  many  a  time. 
Victor  from  vanquish'd  issues  at  the  last,  1230 

And  °overthrower  from  being  overthrown. 
With  sword  we  have  not  striven;  and  thy  good  horse 
And  thou  are  weary ;  yet  not  less  I  felt 
Thy  manhood  thro'  that  wearied  lance  of  thine. 
Well  hast  thou  done;  for  all  the  stream  is  freed, 
And  thou  hast  wreak 'd  his  justice  on  his  foes, 


58  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  when  reviled  hast  answer'd  graciously, 

And  makest  merry  when  overthrown.     Prince,  knight, 

Hail,  knight  and  prince,  and  of  our  Table  Eound  I  ' 

And  then  when  turning  to  Lynette  he  told  1240 

The  tale  of  Gareth,  petulantly  she  said : 
'Ay,  well — 'ay,  well  —  for  worse  than  being  fool'd 
Of  others,  is  to  fool  one's  self.     A  cave, 
Sir  Lancelot,  is  hard  by,  with  meats  and  drinks 
And  forage  for  the  horse,  and  flint  for  fire. 
But  all  about  it  flies  a  honeysuckle. 
Seek,  till  we  find.'     And  when  they  sought  and  found, 
Sir  Gareth  drank  and  ate,  and  all  his  life 
Past  into  sleep ;  on  whom  the  maiden  gazed : 
*  Sound  sleep  be  thine !  sound  cause  to  sleep  hast  thou.    1250 
Wake  lusty !     Seem  I  not  as  tender  to  him 
As  any  mother?     Ay,  but  such  a  one 
As  all  day  long  hath  rated  at  her  child. 
And  vext  his  da}^,  but  blesses  him  asleep  — 
Good  lord,  how  sweetly  smells  the  honeysuckle 
In  the  hush'd  night,  as  if  the  world  were  one 
Of  utter  peace,  and  love,  and  gentleness ! 
0  Lancelot,  Lancelot, '  —  and  she  clapt  her  hands  — 
'Full  merry  am  I  to  find  my  goodly  knave 
Is  knight  and  noble.      See  now,  sworn  have  I,  1260 

Else  yon  black  felon  had  not  let  me  pass, 
To  bring  thee  back  to  do  the  battle  with  him. 
Thus  an  thou  goest,  he  will  fight  thee  first; 
Who  doubts  thee  victor?  so  will  my  knight-knave 
Miss  the  full  flower  of  this  accomplishment.' 

Said  Lancelot:  'Peradventure  he  you  name 
May  know  my  shield.     Let  Gareth,  an  he  will. 
Change  his  for  mine,  and  take  my  charger,  fresh, 
Not  to  be  spurr'd,  loving  the  battle  as  well 


GARETH    AXD    LYNETTE  59 

As  he  that  rides  liim.'     'Lancelot-like,'  she  said,        1270 
*  Courteous  in  this,  Lord  Lancelot,  as  in  all.' 

And  Gareth,  wakening,  fiercely  clutch'd  the  shield: 
*Eamp,  ye  lance-splintering  lions,  on  whom  all  spears 
Are  rotten  sticks!  ye  seem  agape  to  roar! 
Yea,  ramp  and  roar  at  leaving  of  your  lord!  — 
Care  not,  good  beasts,  so  well  I  care  for  you. 

0  noble  Lancelot,  °froni  my  hold  on  these 

vStreams  virtue  —  fire  — thro'  one  that  will  not  shame 
Even  the  shadow  of  Lancelot  under  shield. 
Hence:  let  us  go.' 

Silent  the  silent  field  1280 

They  traversed.     Arthur's  °Harp  tho'  summer-wan, 
In  counter  motion  to  the  clouds,  allured 
The  glance  of  Gareth  dreaming  on  his  liege. 
A  star  shot:  'Lo,'  said  Gareth,  '  the  foe  falls! ' 
An  owl  whoopt:  'Hark  the  victor  pealing  there! ' 
Suddenly  she  that  rode  upon  his  left 
Clung  to  the  shield  that  Lancelot  lent  him,  crying: 
'Yield,  yield  him  this  again;   'tis  he  must  fight: 

1  curse  the  tongue  that  all  thro'  yesterday 

Reviled  thee,  and  hath  wrought  on  Lancelot  now         1290 
To  lend  thee  horse  and  shield:  wonders  ye  have  done; 
^liracles  ye  cannot :  here  is  glory  enow 
In  having  °flung  three:  I  see  thee  maim'd. 
Mangled:  I  swear  thou  canst  not  fling  the  fourth.' 

'And  wdierefore,  damsel?  tell  me  all  ye  know. 
You  cannot  scare  me;  nor  rough  face,  or  voice, 
Brute  bulk  of  limb,  or  boundless  savagery 
°Appal  me  from  the  quest.' 

'Nay,  prince,'  she  cried, 
'God  wot,  I  never  look'd  upon  the  face. 


60  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Seeing  he  never  rides  abroad  by  clay;  1300 

But  watch'd  him  have  I  like  a  phantom  pass 

Chilling  the  night:  nor  have  I  heard  the  voice. 

Always  he  made  his  mouthpiece  of  a  page 

Who  came  and  went,  and  still  reported  him 

°As  closing  in  himself  the  strength  of  ten, 

And  when  his  anger  tare  him^  massacring 

Man,  woman,  lad,  and  girl  —  yea,  the  soft  babe! 

Some  hold  that  he  hath  swallow'd  infant  flesh, 

Monster!     0  prince,  I  went  for  Lancelot  first. 

The  quest  is  Lancelot's:  give  him  bacli  the  shield/     1-510 

Said  Gareth  laughing,  *An  he  fight  for  this, 
°Belike  he  wins  it  as  the  better  man : 
Thus  —  and  not  else ! ' 

But  Lancelot  on  him  °urged 
All  the  °devisings  of  their  chivalry 
When  one  might  meet  a  mightier  than  himself; 
How  best  to  manage  horse,  lance,  sword,  and  shield, 
And  so  fill  up  the  gap  where  force  might  fail 
With  skill  and  °fineness.     Instant  were  his  words. 


Then  Gareth:  'Here  be  rules.     I  know  but  one  — 
To  dash  against  mine  enemy  and  to  win.  132a 

Yet  have  I  watch'd  thee  victor  in  the  joust. 
And  seen  thy  way. '    '  Heaven  help  thee ! '  sigh'd  Ly  iiette. 

Then  for  a  space,  and  under  cloud  that  grew 
To  thunder-gloom  °palling  all  stars,  they  rode 
In  converse  till  she  made  her  palfrey  halt. 
Lifted  an  arm,  and  softly  whisper'd,  'There.' 
And  all  the  three  were  silent  seeing,  pitch'd 
Beside  the  Castle  Perilous  on  flat  held, 


GAREril   AND    LYXETTE  61 

A  huge  pavilion  like  a  mountain  peak 

Sunder  the  glooming  crimson  on  the  marge,  1330 

Black,  with  black  banner,  and  a  long  black  horn 

Beside  it  hanging;  which  Sir  Gareth  graspt, 

And  so,  before  the  two  could  hinder  him. 

Sent  all  his  heart  and  breath  thro^  all  tlie  horn. 

Echo'd  the  walls,  a  light  twinkled;  anon 

Came  liglits  and  lights,  and  once  again  lie  blew- 

Whereon  were  hollow  tramplings  up  and  down 

And  muffled  voices  heard,  and  shadows  past; 

Till  high  above  him,  circled  with  her  maids, 

The  Lady  Ly<^iiors.at  a  window  stood,  1340 

Beautiful  among  lights,  and  waving  to  him 

White  hands  and  courtesy;  but  when  the  prince 

Three  times  had  blown  —  after  long  hush  —  at  last  — 

The  huge  pavilion  slowly  yielded  up, 

Thro'  those  black  foldings,  that  which  housed  therein. 

High  on  a  night-black  horse,  in  night-black  arms, 

With  white  breast-bone,  and  barren  ribs  of  Death, 

And  crown'd  with  °fleshless  laughter  —  some  ten  steps  — 

in  the  half-light  —  thro'  the  dim  dawn  —  advanced 

The  monster,  and  then  paused^  and  spake  no  word.     1350 

But  Gareth  spake  and  all  indignantly : 
'Fool,  for  thou  hast,  men  sa}',  the  strength  of  ten. 
Canst  thou  not  trust  the  limbs  thy  God  hath  given, 
But  must,  to  make  the  terror  of  thee  more, 
Trick  thyself  out  in  ghastly  imageries 
Of  that  which  Life  hath  done  with,  and  the  clod. 
Less  dull  than  thou,  will  hide  with  mantling  flowers 
As  if  for  pity? '     But  he  spake  no  word; 
Which  set  the  horror  higher:  a  maiden  swoon'd; 
The  Lady  Lyonors  wrung  her  hands  and  wept,  1360 

As  doom'd  to  be  the  bride  of  ^S'ight  and  Death; 
Sir  Gareth's  head  °prickled  beneath  his  helm; 


'62  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  even  Sir  Lancelot  tliro'  liis  warm  blood  felt 
Ice  strike,  and  all  that  markM  liim  were  aghast. 

At  once  Sir  Lancelot's  charger  fiercely  neigh'd, 
And  Death's  dark  war-horse  bounded  forward  with  him» 
Then  those  that  did  not  blink  the  terror  saw 
That  Death  was  cast  to  ground,  and  slowly  rose. 
But  with  one  stroke  Sir  Gareth  split  the  skull. 
Half  fell  to  right  and  half  to  left  and  lay.  1370 

Then  with  a  stronger  buft'et  he  clove  the  helm 
As  thoroughly  as  the  skull;  and  out  from  this 
Issued  the  bright  face  of  a  blooming  boy 
Fresh  as  a  flower  new-born,  and  crying,  'Knight, 
Slay  me  not :  my  three  brethren  bade  me  do  it. 
To  make  a  horror  all  about  the  house. 
And  °stay  the  Avorld  from  Lady  Lyonors ; 
They  never  dream'd  the  passes  would  be  past.' 
Answer'd  Sir  Gareth  graciously  to  one 
Not  many  a  moon  his  younger,  "My  fair  child,  1380 

What  madness  made  thee  challenge  the  chief  knight 
Of  Arthur's  hall?'     'Fair  Sir,  they  bade  me  do  it. 
They  hate  the  King  and  Lancelot,  the  King's  friend; 
They  hoped  to  slay  him  somewhere  on  the  stream, 
They  never  dream'd  the  passes  could  be  past.' 

Then  sprang  the  happier  day  from  underground; 
And  Lady  Lyonors  and  her  house,  with  dance 
And  revel  and  song,  made  merry  over  Death, 
As  being  after  all  their  foolish  fears 
And  horrors  only  proven  a  blooming  boy.  139a 

So  large  mirth  lived,  and  Garetli  won  the  quest. 

And  °he  that  told  the  tale  in  older  times 
Says  that  Sir  Gareth  wedded  Lyonors, 
But  °he  that  told  it  later  says  Lynette. 


THE   MAEEIAGE    OF    GERAINT 

The  brave  Geraiiit,  a  knight  of  Arthur's  court, 
A  ^tributary  prince  of  Devon,  one 
Of  that  great  °Order  of  the  Table  Round, 
Had  married  Enid,  Yniol's  only  child, 
And  loved  her  as  he  loved  the  light  of  heaven. 
And  °as  the  light  of  heaven  varies,  now 
At  sunrise,  now  at  sunset,  now  by  night 
With  moon  and  trembling  stars,  so  loved  Geraint 
To  make  her  beauty  vary  day  by  day, 
In  crimsons  and  in  purples  and  in  gems. 
And  Enid,  but  to  please  her  husband's  eye, 
Who  first  had  found  and  loved  her  in  a  state 
Of  broken  fortunes,  daily  fronted  him 
In  some  fresh  splendor;  and  the  Queen  herself, 
Grateful  to  Prince  Geraint  for  service  done, 
Loved  her,  and  often  with  her  own  white  hands 
°Array'd  and  deck'd  her,  as  the  loveliest, 
Xext  after  her  own  self,  in  all  the  court. 
And  Enid  loved  the  Queen,  and  with  true  heart 
Adored  her,  as  the  stateliest  and  the  best 
And  loveliest  of  all  women  upon  earth. 
And  seeing  them  so  tender  and  so  °close, 
Long  in  their  °common  love  rejoiced  Geraint. 
But  when  a  rumor  rose  about  the  Queen, 
Touching  her  guilty  love  for  Lancelot, 
Tho'  yet  there  °lived  no  proof,  nor  yet  was  heard 
The  world's  loud  whisper  breaking  into  storm, 

«)3 


64  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Not  less  Geraint  believed  it,  and  there  fell 

A  horror  on  hiiii  lest  his  gentle  wife, 

Thro'  that  great  tenderness  for  Guinevere,  30 

Had  suffer 'd  or  should  suffer  any  °taint 

In  nature :  wherefore,  going  to  the  King, 

He  made  this  pretext,  that  liis  princedom  lay 

Close  on  the  borders  of  a  territory 

Wherein  were  °bandit  earls,  and  caitiff  knights, 

Assassins,  and  all  flyers  from  the  hand 

Of  Justice,  and  whatever  loathes  a  law; 

And  therefore,  till  the  King  himself  should  please 

To  cleanse  this  "common  sewer  of  all  his  realm, 

He  craved  a  fair  permission  to  depart,  40 

And  there  defend  his  marches :  and  tlie  King 

°Mused  for  a  little  on  his  plea,  but,  last, 

Allowing  it,  the  prince  and  Enid  rode. 

And  fifty  knights  rode  with  them,  to  the  shores 

Of  °Severn,  and  tliey  past  to  their  own  land; 

Where,  thinking  that,  if  ever  yet  was  wife 

True  to  her  lord,  mine  shall  be  so  to  me. 

He  °compass'd  her  with  sweet  observances 

And  "worship,  never  leaving  her,  and  grew 

Forgetful  of  his  promise  to  the  King,  50 

Forgetful  of  the  "falcon  and  the  hunty 

Forgetful  of  the  "tilt  and  tournament, 

Forgetful  of  liis  glory  and  his  name. 

Forgetful  of  liis  princedom  and  its  cares. 

And  this  forgetfulness  was  hateful  to  her. 

And  by  and  by  the  people,  when  they  met 

In  twos  and  threes,  or  fuller  companies. 

Began  to  scoff  and  jeer  and  babble  of  him 

As  of  a  prince  whose  manhood  was  all  gone, 

And  "molten  down  in  mere  uxoriousnes^.  60 

And  this  she  gathered  from  the  people's  eyes; 

This  too  the  women  Avho  "attired  her  head. 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAIXT  65 

To  please  lier,  dwelling  on  his  boundless  love, 
Told  Enid,  and  they  sadden'd  her  the  more : 
And  day  by  day  she  thoui^ht  to  tell  Geraint, 
But  could  not  out  of  bashful  delicacy; 
While  he,  that  watch'd  her  sadden,  was  the  more 
Suspicious  that  her  nature  had  a  taint. 

At  last,  it  chanced  that  on  a  summer  morn  — 
They  sleeping  °each  by  either  —  the  new  sun  70 

Beat  thro'  the  °blindless  casement  of  the  room. 
And  heated  the  strong  w^arrior  in  his  dreams ; 
Who,  moving,  cast  the  coverlet  aside. 
And  bared  the  knotted  column  of  his  throat, 
The  massive  square  of  his  heroic  breast, 
And  arms  on  which  the  standing  muscle  sloped, 
As  °slopes  a  wild  brook  o'er  a  little  stone, 
Eunning  too  vehemently  to  break  upon  it. 
And  Enid  w^oke  and  sat  beside  the  couch. 
Admiring  him,  and  thought  witliin  herself,  80 

Was  ever  man  so  grandly  made  as  he? 
Then,  like  a  shadow,  past  the  people's  talk 
And  accusation  of  uxoriousness 
Across  her  mind,  and,  bowing  over  ]]im, 
Low  to  her  own  heart  piteously  she  said: 

'0  noble  breast  and  all-puissant  arms. 
Am  I  the  cause,  I  the  poor  cause  that  men 
Eeproach  you,  saying  all  your  force  is  gone? 
I  am  the  cause,  because  I  dare  not  speak 
And  tell  him  what  I  think  and  what  they  say.  90 

And  °yet  I  hate  that  he  should  linger  here; 
I  cannot  love  my  lord  and  not  his  name. 
Ear  liefer  had  I  gird  his  harness  on  him, 
And  ride  with  him  to  battle  and  stand  by, 
And  watch  his  mightful  hand  striking  great  blows 


66  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

At  caitiffs  and  at  wrongers  of  the  world. 
Far  better  were  I  laid  in  the  dark  earth, 
Not  hearing  any  more  his  noble  voice, 
Not  to  be  folded  more  in  these  dear  arms, 
And  darken' d  from  the  high  light  in  his  eyes. 
Than  that  my  lord  thro'  me  should  suffer  shame. 
Am  I  °so  bold,  and  could  I  so  stand  by. 
And  see  my  dear  lord  wounded  in  the  strife, 
Or  maybe  pierced  to  death  before  mine  eyes. 
And  yet  not  dare  to  tell  him  what  I  think. 
And  how  men  slur  him,  saying  all  his  force 
Is  melted  into  mere  effeminacy? 

0  me,  I  fear  that  I  am  no  true  wife!' 

Half  inwardly,  half  audibly  she  spoke. 
And  the  strong  passion  in  her  made  her  weep 
True  tears  upon  his  broad  and  naked  breast, 
And  these  awoke  him,  and  by  great  mischance 
He  heard  but  fragments  of  her  later  words, 
And  that  she  fear'd  she  was  not  a  true  wife. 
And  then  he  thought,  'In  spite  of  all  my  care, 
For  °all  my  pains,  poor  man,  for  all  my  pains. 
She  is  not  faithful  to  me,  and  I  see  her 
Weeping  for  some  gay  knight  in  Arthur's  hall.' 
Then,  tho'  he  loved  and  reverenced  her  too  much 
To  dream  she  could  be  guilty  of  foul  act, 
Right  thro'  his  manful  breast  darted  the  pang 
That  makes  a  man,  in  the  sweet  face  of  her 
Whom  he  loves  most,  lonely  and  miserable. 
At  this  he  hurl'd  his  huge  limbs  out  of  bed, 
And  shook  his  drowsy  squire  awake  and  cried, 
'My  charger  and  her  °palfrey; '  then  to  her, 
*I  will  ride  forth  into  the  wilderness; 
For,  tho'  it  seems  my  °spurs  are  yet  to  win, 

1  have  not  fallen  so  low  as  some  would  wish. 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAIXT  67 

And  thou,  x^ut  on  thy  worst  and  meanest  dress  130 

And  ride  with  me.'     And  Enid  ask'd,  amazed, 

'If  Enid  errs,  let  Enid  learn  her  fault.' 

But  he,  'I  charge  thee,  ask  not,  but  obey.* 

Then  she  bethought  her  of  a  faded  silk, 

A  faded  mantle  and  a  faded  veil. 

And  moving  toward  a  cedarn  cabinet. 

Wherein  she  kept  tliem  folded  reverently 

With  °sprigs  of  summer  laid  between  the  folds. 

She  took  them,  and  array 'd  herself  therein, 

Kemembering  when  first  he  came  on  her  140 

Drest  in  that  dress,  and  how  he  loved  her  in  it. 

And  all  her  foolish  fears  about  the  dress, 

And  all  his  journey  to  her,  as  himself 

Had  told  her,  and  their  coming  to  the  court. 

Eor  Arthur  on  the  °Whitsuntide  before 
Held  court  at  old  °Caerleon  upon  Usk. 
There  on  a  day,  he  sitting  high  in  hall, 
Before  him  came  a  "forester  of  Dean, 
Wet  from  the  woods,  with  notice  of  a  hart 
Taller  than  all  his  fellows,  milky-white,  150 

First  seen  that  day :  these  things  he  told  the  King. 
Then  the  good  King  gave  order  to  let  blow 
His  horns  for  hunting  on  the  morrow  morn, 
And  when  the  Queen  petition'd  for  his  leave 
To  see  the  hunt,  allow'd  it  easily. 
So  with  the  morning  all  the  court  were  gone. 
But  Guinevere  lay  late  into  the  morn, 
Lost  in  sweet  dreams,  and  dreaming  of  her  love 
Eor  Lancelot,  and  forgetful  of  the  hunt, 
But  rose  at  last,  a  single  maiden  with  her,  160 

Took  horse,  and  forded  Usk,  and  gain'd  the  wood; 
There,  on  a  little  knoll  beside  it,  stay'd 
Waiting  to  hear  the  hounds,  but  heard  instead 


68  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

A  sudden  sound  of  hoofs,  for  Prince  Geraint, 

Late  also,  wearing  neither  hunting-dress 

Nor  weapon  save  a  golden-hilted  brand, 

Came  quickly  flashing  thro'  the  shallow  ford 

Behind  them,  and  so  gallop' d  up  the  knoll. 

A  purple  scarf,  at  either  end  wdiereof 

There  swung  an  apple  of  the  purest  gold,  170 

Sway'd  round  about  him,  as  he  gallop'd  up 

To  join  them,  glancing  like  a  dragon-fly 

In  summer  suit  and  silks  of  holiday. 

Low  bow'd  the  tributary  prince,  and  she, 

Sweetly  and  statelily,  and  with  all  grace 

Of  womanhood  and  queenhood,  answer'd  him: 

'Late,  late.  Sir  Prince,'  she  said,  'later  than  we! ' 

*Yea,  noble  Queen,'  he  answer'd,  'and  so  late 

That  I  but  come  like  you  to  see  the  hunt. 

Not  join  it.'     'Therefore  wait  with  me,'  she  said;         180 

'For  on  this  little  knoll,  if  anywhere, 

There  is  good  chance  that  we  shall  hear  the  hounds : 

Here  often  they  break  covert  at  our  feet.' 

And  while  they  listen' d  for  the  distant  hunt, 
And  chiefly  for  the  baying  of  °Cavall, 
King  Arthur's  hound  of  deepest  mouth,  there  rode 
Full  slowly  by  a  kniglit,  lady,  and  dwarf; 
Whereof  the  dwarf  lagg'd  latest,  and  the  knight 
Had  vizor  up,  and  show'd  a  youthful  face. 
Imperious,  and  of  haughtiest  lineaments.  190 

And  Guinevere,  not  °mindful  of  his  face 
In  the  King's  hall,  desired  his  name,  and  sent 
Her  maiden  to  demand  it  of  the  dwarf; 
Who  being  vicious,  old,  and  irritable. 
And  doubling  all  his  master's  vice  of  pride. 
Made  answer  sharply  that  she  should  not  know. 
'Then  will  I  ask  it  of  himself,'  she  said. 


THE    MARRIAG?:    OF    GERAIXT  69 

*Nay,  by  my  faith,  thou  shalt  not/  cried  tlie  dwarf; 

'Thou  art  not  worthy  even  to  speak  of  him;' 

And  when  she  put  her  horse  toward  the  knight,  200 

Struck  at  her  with  his  whip,  and  she  returned 

Indignant  to  the  Queen;  whereat  Geraint 

Exclaiming,  'Surely  I  will  learn  the  name,' 

Made  sharply  to  tlie  dwarf,  and  ask'd  it  of  him, 

Who  answer'd  as  before;  and  when  the  prince 

Had  put  his  horse  in  motion  toward  the  knight. 

Struck  at  him  with  his  whip,  and  cut  his  cheek. 

The  prince's  blood  spirted  upon  the  scarf. 

Dyeing  it;  and  his  quick,  °instinctive  hand 

Caught  at  the  hilt,  as  to  abolish  him:  210 

But  he,  from  his  exceeding  manfulness 

And  pure  nobility  of  temperament, 

Wroth  to  be  °wroth  at  such  a  worm,  refrain'd 

From  even  a  word,  and  so  returning  said: 

'I  will  avenge  this  insult,  noble  Queen, 
Done  in  your  maiden's  person  to  3'ourself ; 
And  I  will  track  this  vermin  to  their  °earths : 
For  tlio'  I  ride  unarm 'd,  I  do  not  doubt 
To  hnd,  at  some  place  I  shall  come  at,  arms 
On  loan,  or  else  for  °pledge ;  and,  being  found,  220 

Then  will  I  fight  him,  and  will  break  his  pride. 
And  on  the  third  day  will  again  be  here, 
So  that  I  be  not  fallen  in  fi2:ht.     Farewell. ' 


'Farewell,  fair  prince,'  answer'd  the  stately  Queen. 
'Be  prosperous  in  this  journey,  as  in  all; 
And  may  you  light  on  all  things  that  you  love, 
And  live  to  wed  with  her  whom  first  you  love : 
But  ere  you  wed  with  any,  bring  your  bride. 
And  I,  were  she  the  daughter  of  a  kine:^ 


70  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Yea,  tlio'  she  were  a  beggar  from  tlie  hedge,  230 

Will  clothe  her  for  her  °bridals  like  the  sun.' 

And  Prince  Geraint,  now  thinking  that  he  heard 
The  noble  hart  at  °bay,  now  the  far  horn, 
A  little  vext  at  losing  of  the  hunt, 
A  little  at  the  vile  occasion,  rode, 
By  ups  and  downs,  thro'  many  a  grassy  glade 
And  valle}^,  with  fixt  eye  following  the  three. 
At  last  they  issued  from  the  world  of  wood. 
And  climb' d  upon  a  fair  and  even  ridge, 
And  show'd  themselves  against  the  sky,  and  °sank.      240 
And  thither  came  Geraint,  and  underneath 
Beheld  the  long  street  of  a  little  town 
In  a  long  valley,  on  one  side  whereof, 
White  from  the  mason's  hand,  a  fortress  rose; 
And  on  one  side  a  castle  in  decay, 
Beyond  a  bridge  that  spann'd  a  dry  ravine: 
And  out  of  town  and  valley  came  a  noise 
°As  of  a  broad  brook  o'er  a  shingly  bed 
Brawling,  or  like  a  clamor  of  the  rooks 
At  distance,  ere  they  settle  for  the  night.  250 

And  onward  to  the  fortress  rode  the  three, 
And  enter'd,  and  were  lost  behind  the  walls. 
'So,'  thought  Geraint,  'I  have  track'd  him  to  his  earth.' 
And  down  the  long  street  riding  wearily, 
Found  every  hostel  full,  and  everywhere 
Was  hammer  laid  to  hoof,  and  the  hot  hiss 
And  bustling  whistle  af  the  youth  who  scour'd 
His  master's  armor;  and  of  such  a  one 
He  ask'd,  'What  means  the  tumult  in  the  town?  ' 
Who  told  him,  scouring  still,  'The  °sparrow-hawk! '    260 
Then  riding  close  behind  an  ancient  churl. 
Who,  smitten  by  the  dusty  ^sloping  beam. 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  71 

Went  sweating  underneath  a  sack  of  corn, 

Ask'd  yet  one  more  what  meant  the  °hubbub  here? 

Who  answer'd  gruffly,  'Ugh!  the  sparrow-liawk! ' 

Then  riding  further  past  an  armorer's, 

Who,  with  back  turn'd,  and  bow'd  above  his  work, 

Sat  riveting  a  helmet  on  his  knee. 

He  put  the  selfsame  query,  but  the  man 

Not  turning  round,  nor  looking  at  him,  said:  270 

'Friend,  he  that  labors  for  the  sparrow-hawk 

Has  little  time  for  idle  questioners.' 

Whereat  Geraint  "flashed  into  sudden  spleen : 

'A  thousand  °pips  eat  up  your  sparrow-hawk! 

Tits,  wrens,  and  all  wing'd  nothings  peck  him  dead! 

Ye  think  the  rustic  cackle  of  your  bourg 

The  murmur  of  the  world!     What  is  it  to  me? 

0  wretched  set  of  sparrows,  one  and  all, 

Who  pipe  of  nothing  but  of  sparrow-hawks! 

Speak,  if  ye  be  not  like  the  rest,  hawk-mad,  280 

Where  can  I  get  me  harborage  for  the  night? 

And  arms,  arms,  arms  to  fight  my  enemy?     Speak! ' 

Whereat  the  armorer  turning  all  amazed 

And  seeing  one  so  gay  in  purple  silks, 

Came  forward  with  the  helmet  yet  in  hand 

And  answer'd:  'Pardon  me,  0  stranger  knight; 

We  hold  a  tourney  here  to-morrow  morn. 

And  there  is  °scantly  time  for  half  the  work. 

Arms?  truth!  I  know  not:  all  are  Avanted  here. 

Harborage?  truth,  good  truth,  I  know  not,  save,  290 

It  may  be,  at  Earl  Yniol's,  o'er  the  bridge 

Yonder.'     He  spoke  and  fell  to  Avork  again. 

Then  rode  Geraint,  a  little  spleenful  yet, 
Across  the  bridge  that  spann'd  the  dry  ravine. 
There  °musing  sat  the  lioary-headed  earl  — 
His  dress  a  suit  of  °fray'd  magnificence, 


72  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Once  fit  for  feasts  of  ceremony  —  and  said: 

'Wliither,  fair  son?^  to  whom  Geraint  replied, 

*0  friend,  I  seek  a  harborage  for  the  night.' 

Then  Yniol,  'Enter  therefore  and  partake  300 

The  slender  entertainment  of  a  house 

Once  rich,°now  poor,  but  ever  open-door'd.' 

'Thanks,  venerable  friend,'  replied  Geraint; 

'So  that  ye  do  not  serve  me  sparrow-hawks 

For  supper,  I  will  enter,  I  will  eat 

With  all  the  passion  of  a  twelve  hours'  fast.' 

Then  sigh'd  and  smiled  the  hoary-headed  earl, 

And  answer'd,  'Graver  cause  than  yours  is  mine 

To  curse  this  hedgerow  thief,  the  sparrow-hawk: 

But  in,  go  in;  for  save  3'ourself  desire  it,  310 

"We  will  not  touch  upon  him  even  in  jest.' 

Then  rode  Geraint  into  the  castle  court, 
His  charger  trampling  many  a  prickly  star 
Of  sprouted  thistle  on  the  broken  stones. 
He  look'd  and  saw  that  all  was  ruinous. 
Here  stood  a  shatter'd  archway  °plumed  with  fern; 
And  here  had  fallen  a  great  part  of  a  tower, 
Whole,  like  a  crag  that  tumbles  from  the  cliff. 
And  like  a  crag  was  gay  with  °wilding  flowers: 
And  high  above  a  piece  of  turret  stair,  320 

Worn  by  the  feet  that  now  were  silent,  wound 
Bare  to  the  sun,  and  monstrous  ivy-stems 
Claspt  the  gray  walls  with  hairy-fibred  arms, 
A.nd  °suck'd  the  joining  of  the  stones,  and  look'd 
A.  knot,  beneath,  of  snakes,  aloft,  a  grove. 

And  wdiile  he  waited  in  the  castle  court. 
The  voice  of  Enid,  Yniol 's  daughter,  rang 
Clear  thro'  the  open  casement  of  the  hall, 
Singing;  and  as  the  SAveet  voice  of  a  bird. 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  73 

Heard  by  the  °laiuler  in  a  lonely  isle,  330 

Moves  liiin  to  think  what  kind  of  bird  it  is 

That  sings  so  delicately  clear,  and  make 

Conjecture  of  the  plumage  and  the  form, 

So  the  sweet  voice  of  Enid  moved  Geraint; 

And  made  him  like  a  man  abroad  at  morn 

When  first  the  °liquid  note  beloved  of  men 

Comes  flying  over  many  a  windy  wave 

To  Britain,  and  in  April  suddenly 

Breaks  from  a  coppice  gemm'd  with  green  and  red, 

And  he  suspends  his  converse  with  a  friend,  340 

Or  it  may  be  the  labor  of  his  hands, 

To  think  or  say,  'There  is  the  nightingale: ' 

So  fared  it  with  Geraint,  who  thought  and  said, 

'Here,  by  God's  grace,  is  the  one  voice  for  me.' 

It  chanced  the  song  that  Enid  sang  was  one 
Of  Fortune  and  her  wheel,  and  Enid  sang: 

'Turn,  Fortune,  turn  thy  wheel  and  lower  the  proud; 
Turn  thy  wild  wheel  thro'  sunshine,  storm,  and  cloud; 
Thy  wheel  and  thee  we  neither  love  nor  hate. 

'Turn,  Fortune,  tarn  thy  wheel  with  smile  or  frown ;    35c 
With  that  wild  wheel  we  go  not  up  or  down; 
Our  °hoard  is  little,  but  our  hearts  are  great. 

'Smile  and  we  smile,  the  lords  of  many  lands; 
Frown  and  we  smile,  the  lords  of  our  own  hands; 
For  man  is  man  and  master  of  his  fate. 


'Turn,  turn  thy  wheel  above  the  staring  crowd 
Thy  wheel  and  thou  are  shadoAvs  in  the  cloud; 
Thy  wheel  and  thee  we  neither  love  nor  hate.' 


74  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

*Hark,  by  the  bird's  song  ye  may  learn  the  nest/ 
Said  Yniol;  *  enter  quickly.'     Entering  then,  360 

Right  o'er  a  mount  of  newly-fallen  stones, 
The  dusky-rafter'd  many-cobweb' d  hall, 
He  found  an  ancient  dame  in  °dim  brocade; 
And  near  her,  like  a  blossom  °vermeil- white 
That  lightly  breaks  a  faded  flower-sheath. 
Moved  the  fair  Enid,  all  in  faded  silk, 
Her  daughter.     In  a  moment  thought  Geraint, 
'Here,  by  God's  °rood,  is  the  one  maid  for  me.' 
But  none  spake  word  except  the  hoary  earl : 
'Enid,  the  good  knight's  horse  stands  in  the  court;       370 
Take  him  to  stall,  and  give  him  corn,  and  then. 
Go  to  the  town  and  buy  us  flesh  and  wine ; 
And  Ave  will  make  us  merry  as  we  may. 
Our  hoard  is  little,  but  our  hearts  are  great.' 

He  spake :  the  prince,  as  Enid  past  him,  fain 
To  follow,  strode  a  stride,  but  Yniol  caught 
His  purple  scarf,  and  held,  and  said,  'Forbear! 
Eest!  the  good  house,  tho'  ruin'd,  0  my  son, 
Endures  not  that  her  guest  should  serve  himself.' 
And,  reverencing  the  custom  of  the  house,  380 

Geraint,  from  utter  courtesy,  forebore. 

So  Enid  took  his  charger  to  the  stall, 
And  after  went  her  way  across  the  bridge, 
And  reach'd  the  town,  and  while  the  prince  and  earl 
Yet  spoke  together,  came  again  with  one, 
A  youth  that,  following  with  a  °costrel,  ]3ore 
The  means  of  goodly  welcome,  flesh  and  wine. 
And  Enid  brought  sweet  cakes  to  make  them  cheer, 
And,  in  her  veil  enfolded,  °manchet  bread. 
And  then,  because  their  hall  must  also  serve  390 

For  kitchen,  boil'd  the  flesh,  and  spread  the  board. 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  75 

And  stood  behind,  and  waited  on  the  three. 

And,  seeing  her  so  sweet  and  serviceable, 

Geraint  had  longing  in  him  evermore 

To  stoop  and  kiss  the  tender  little  thumb 

That  crost  the  °trenclier  as  she  laid  it  down: 

But  after  all  had  eaten,  then  Geraint, 

For  now  the  wine  °made  summer  in  his  veins, 

Let  his  eye  °rove  in  following,  or  rest 

On  Enid  at  her  lowly  handmaid-work,  400 

ISTow  here,  now  there,  about  the  dusky  hall; 

Then  suddenly  addrest  the  hoary  earl : 

'Fair  host  and  earl,  I  pray  j^our  courtesy; 
This  sparrow-hawk,  what  is  he?  tell  me  of  him. 
His  name?  but  no,  good  faith,  I  will  not  have  it: 
For  if  he  be  the  knight  whom  late  I  saw 
Eide  into  that  new  fortress  by  your  town, 
White  from  the  mason's  hand,  then  have  I  sworn 
From  his  own  lips  to  have  it  —  I  am  Geraint 
Of  Devon  —  for  tliis  morning,  when  the  Queen  410 

Sent  her  own  maiden  to  demand  the  name, 
His  dwarf,  a  vicious  under-shapen  thing, 
Struck  at  her  with  his  whip,  and  slie  return'd 
Indignant  to- the  Queen;  and  then  I  swore 
That  I  would  track  this  caitiff  to  his  hold. 
And  fight  and  break  his  pride,  and  have  it  of  him. 
And  all  unarmed  I  rode,  and  thought  to  find 
Arms  in  your  town,  where  all  tlie  men  are  mad; 
They  take  the  rustic  murmur  of  their  bourg 
For  the  great  wave  that  echoes  round  the  world;  420 

They  would  not  hear  me  speak :  but  if  ye  know 
Where  I  can  light  on  arms,  or  if  yourself 
Should  have  them,  tell  me,  seeing  I  have  sworn 
That  I  will  break  his  pride  and  learn  liis  name, 
Avenging  this  great  insult  done  the  Queen.' 


76  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Then  cried  Earl  Yniol:  'Art  tlion  he  indeed, 
Geraint,  a  name  far-sounded  among  men 
For  noble  deeds?  and  truly  I,  when  first 
I  saw  you  moving  by  me  on  the  bridge, 
Felt  ye  were  °somewhat,  yea,  and  by  your  state  430 

And  presence  might  have  guess'd  you  one  of  those 
That  eat  in  Arthur's  hall  at  °Camelot. 
Nor  speak  I  now  from  foolish  flattery; 
For  this  dear  child  hath  often  heard  me  praise         ^ 
Your  feats  of  arms,  and  often  when  I  paused 
Hath  ask'd  again,  and  ever  loved  to  hear; 
So  grateful  is  the  noise  of  noble  deeds 
To  noble  hearts  who  see  but  acts  of  wrong, 

0  never  yet  had  woman  such  a  pair 

Of  suitors  as  tliis  maiden :  first  Limours,  440 

A  creature  wholly  given  to  brawls  and  wine, 
Drunk  even  when  he  woo'd;  and  be  he  dead 

1  know  not,  but  he  past  to  the  wild  land. 
The  second  was  your  foe,  the  sparrow-hawk. 
My  curse,  my  nephew  —  I  will  not  let  his  name 
Slip  from  my  lips  if  I  can  help  it  —  he. 
When  I  that  knew  him  fierce  and  turbulent 
Refused  her  to  him,  then  his  pride  awoke ; 
And  since  the  proud  man  often  is  the  °mean, 

He  sow'd  a  slander  in  the  common  ear,  450 

iffirming  that  his  father  left  him  gold, 
And  in  my  charge,  which  was  not  render'd  to  him; 
Bribed  with  large  promises  the  men  who  served 
About  my  person,  the  more  easily 
Because  my  means  Avere  somewhat  broken  into 
Thro'  open  doors  and  hospitality; 
Rais'd  my  own  town  against  me  in  the  night 
Before  my  Enid's  birthday,  °sack'd  my  house; 
From  mine  own  earldom  foully  °ousted  me ; 
Built  that  new  fort  to  overawe  my  friends,  460 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  77 

For  truly  there  are  those  who  love  nie  yet; 

And  keeps  me  in  this  ruinous  castle  here, 

Where  doubtless  he  would  put  me  soon  to  death 

But  that  his  pride  too  much  despises  me : 

And  I  myself  sometimes  despise  myself; 

For  I  have  let  men  be  and  have  their  way, 

Am  much  too  gentle,  have  not  used  my  j^ower; 

Nor  know  I  whether  I  be  very  base 

Or  very  manful,  whether  very  wise 

Or  very  foolish :  only  this  I  know,  470 

That  whatsoever  evil  happen  to  me, 

I  °seem  to  suifer  nothing  heart  or  limb, 

But  can  endure  it  all  most  patiently.' 

'Well  said,  true  heart,'  replied  Geraint,  'but  arms, 
That  if  the  sparrow-hawk,  this  nephew,  fight 
In  next  days'  tourney  I  may  break  his  pride.' 

And  Yniol  answered:  'Arms,  indeed,  but  old 
And  rusty,  old  and  rusty.  Prince  Geraint, 
Are  mine,  and  therefore,  at  thine  asking,  thine. 
But  in  this  tournament  can  no  man  tilt,  480 

Except  the  lady  he  loves  best  be  there. 
Two  forks  are  lixt  into  the  meadow  ground, 
And  over  tliese  is  placed  a  silver  wand. 
And  over  that  a  golden  sparrow-hawk. 
The  prize  of  beaut}^  for  the  fairest  there. 
And  this,  what  knight  soever  be  in  field 
Lays  claim  to  for  the  lady  at  his  side. 
And  tilts  witli  my  good  nephew  thereupon, 
Who  being  apt  at  arms  and  big  of  bone 
Has  ever  won  it  for  the  lady  with  him,  490 

And  °toppling  over  all  antagonism 
Has  earn'd  himself  the  name  of  sparrow-hawk. 
But  thou,  that  hast  no  lady,  canst  not  fight.' 


78  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

To  whom  Geraint  with  eyes  all  bright  replied, 
Leaning  a  little  toward  him:  'Thy  leave! 
Let  me  °lay  lance  in  rest,  O  noble  host, 
For  this  dear  child,  because  I  never  saw, 
Tho'  having  seen  all  beauties  of  our  time, 
Nor  can  see  elsewhere,  anything  so  °fair. 
And  if  I  fall  her  name  will  yet  remain  50a 

Untarnish'd  as  before;  but  if  I  live, 
So  aid  me  Heaven  when  at  mine  uttermost 
As  I  will  make  her  truly  my  true  wife ! ' 

Then,  "howsoever  patient,  YnioPs  heart 
Danced  in  his  bosom,  seeing  better  days. 
And  looking  round  he  saw  not  Enid  there  — 
Who  hearing  her  own  name  had  stolen  away  — 
But  that  °old  dame,  to  whom  full  tenderly 
And  fondling  all  her  hand  in  his  he  said: 
'Mother,  a  maiden  is  a  tender  thing,  51c 

And  best  by  her  that  bore  her  understood. 
Go  thou  to  rest,  but  ere  thou  go  to  rest 
Tell  her,  and  °prove  her  heart  toward  the  prince. ' 

So  spake  the  kindly-hearted  earl,  and  she 
With  frequent  smile  and  nod  departing  found. 
Half  disarray 'd  as  to  her  rest,  the  girl; 
Whom  first  she  kiss'd  on  either  cheek,  and  then 
On  either  shining  shoulder  laid  a  hand, 
And  °kept  her  off  and  gazed  upon  her  face. 
And  told  her  all  their  converse  in  the  hall,  52c 

Proving  her  heart:  but  never  light  and  shade 
Coursed  one  another  more  on  open  ground 
Beneath  a  troubled  heaven,  than  red  and  pale 
Across  the  face  of  Enid  hearing  her; 
While  slowly  falling  as  a  scale  that  falls^ 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  79 

When  weiglit  is  added  only  grain  by  grain, 

Sank  her  sweet  head  upon  her  gentle  breast; 

^or  did  she  lift  an  eye  nor  speak  a  word, 

Kapt  in  the  fear  and  in  the  wonder  of  it: 

So  moving  without  answer  to  her  rest  530 

She  found  no  rest,  and  ever  fail'd  to  draw 

The  quiet  night  into  ]ier  blood,  but  lay 

^^Contemplating  her  own  unworthiness; 

And  when  the  pale  and  bloodless  east  began 

To  °quicken  to  the  sun,  arose,  and  raised 

Her  mother  too,  and  hand  in  hand  they  moved 

Down  to  the  meadow  where  the  °jousts  were  held. 

And  waited  there  for  Yniol  and  Geraint. 

And  thither  came  the  °twain,  and  when  Geraint 
Beheld  her  first  in  field,  awaiting  him,  540 

He  felt,  were  she  the  prize  of  bodily  force. 
Himself  beyond  the  rest  pjushing  couhl  move 
The  °Chair  of  Idris.     Yniol's  rusted  arms 
Were  on  his  princely  person,  but  thro'  these 
Prince-like  his  "bearing  shone ;  and  errant  knights 
And  ladies  came,  and  by  and  by  the  town 
FlowM  in  °and  settling  circled  all  the  lists. 
And  there  tliey  fixt  the  forks  into  the  ground, 
And  over  these  they  placed  the  silver  wand, 
And  over  that  the  golden  sparrow-hawk.  ;5c 

Then  YnioPs  nephew,  after  trumpet  blow. 
Spake  to  the  lady  with  him  and  proclaim'd, 
'Advance  and  take,  the  fairest  of  the  fair, 
What  I  these  two  years  past  have  won  for  thee, 
The  prize  of  beauty.'     Loudly  spake  the  prince, 
'Forbear:  there  is  a  worthier,'  and  the  knight 
With  some  surprise  and  thrice  as  much  disdain 
Turn'd,  and  beheld  the  four,  and  all  liis  face 
Glow'd  like  the  heart  of  a  great  fire  at  °Yule, 


80  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

So  burnt  he  was  with  passion,  crying  out,  560 

*Do  battle  for  it  then,'  no  more;  and  thrice 

They  clash'd  together,  and  thrice  they  brake  their  spears. 

Then  each,  dishorsed  and  drawing,  lash'd  at  each 

So  often  and  with  such  blows  that  all  the  crowd 

Wonder 'd,  and  now  and  then  from  "distant  walls 

There  came  a  clapping  as  of  phantom  hands. 

So  twice  they  fought,  and  twice  the}^  breathed,  and  still 

The  dew  of  their  great  labor  and  the  blood 

Of  their  strong  bodies,  flowing,  drain'd  their  force. 

But  °either's  force  was  match'd  till  Yniol's  cry,  570 

*Eemember  that  great  insult  done  the  Queen,' 

Increased  Geraint's,  who  heaved  his  blade  aloft. 

And  crack'd  the  helmet  thro',  and  bit  the  bone. 

And  fell'd  him,  and  set  foot  upon  his  breast, 

And  said,  *Thy  name?'     To  whom  the  fallen  man 

Made  answer,  groaning:  'Edyrn,  sonofNudd! 

Ashamed  am  I  that  I  should  tell  it  thee. 

My  pride  is  broken:  men  have  seen  my  fall.' 

*Then,  Edyrn,  son  of  Nudd,'  replied  Geraint, 

*  These  two  things  shalt  thou  do,  or  else  thou  diest.      580 

First,  thou  thyself,  with  damsel  and  with  dwarf, 

Shalt  ride  to  Arthur's  court  and,  coming  there, 

Crave  pardon  for  that  insult  done  the  Queen, 

And  shalt  abide  her  judgment  on  it;  next, 

Thou  shalt  give  back  their  earldom  to  thy  kin. 

These  two  things  shalt  thou  do,  or  thou  shalt  die.' 

And  Edjam  answer'd,  'These  things  will  I  do, 

For  1  have  never  yet  been  overthrown. 

And  thou  hast  overthrown  me,  and  my  pride 

Is  broken  down,  for  °Enid  sees  my  fall! '  590 

And  rising  up  he  rode  to  Arthur's  court, 

And  there  the  Queen  forgave  him  easily. 

And,  being  young,  he  changed  and  came  to  loathe 

His  crime  of  traitor,  slowly  drew  himself 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  81 

Bright  from  his  ohl  dark  life,  and  fell  at  last 
In  the  °great  battle  fighting  for  the  King. 

But  when  the  °third  day  from  the  hunting-morn 
Made  a  °low  splendor  in  the  world,  and  wings 
Moved  in  her  ivy,  Enid,  for  she  lay 

With  her  fair  head  in  the  dim-yellow  light,  600 

Among  the  dancing  shadows  of  the  birds. 
Woke  and  bethought  her  of  her  jDromise  given 
Ko  later  than  last  eve  to  Prince  Geraint  — 
So  bent  he  seem'd  on  going  the  third  day. 
He  would  not  leave  her  till  her  promise  given  — 
To  ride  with  him  this  morning  to  the  court. 
And  there  be  made  known  to  the  stately  Queen, 
And  there  be  wedded  with  all  ceremony. 
At  this  she  cast  her  eyes  upon  her  dress, 
And  thought  it  never  yet  had  look'd  so  mean.  610 

For  as  a  leaf  in  mid-Xovember  is 
To  what  it  was  in  mid-October,  seem'd 
The  °dress  that  now  she  look'd  on  to  the  dress 
She  look'd  on  ere  the  coming  of  Geraint. 
And  °still  she  look'd,  and  still  the  terror  grew 
Of  that  strange  bright  and  dreadful  thing,  a  court, 
All  staring  at  her  in  her  faded  silk; 
And  softly  to  her  own  sweet  heart  she  said : 

'This  noble  prince  who  won  our  earldom  back, 
So  splendid  in  his  acts  and  his  attire,  620 

Sweet  heaven,  how  much  I  shall  discredit  him! 
Would  he  could  tarry  with  us  here  awhile, 
But  being  so  beholden  to  the  prince. 
It  were  but  little  grace  in  any  of  us. 
Bent  as  he  seem'd  on  going  this  third  day, 
To  seek  a  second  favor  at  his  hands. 
Yet  if  he  could  but  tarry  a  day  or  two, 

G 


82  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Myself  would  work  eye  dim  and  finger  lame 
Far  liefer  than  so  much  discredit  him.' 

And  Enid  fell  in  longing  for  a  dress  630 

All  °branch'd  and  flower' d  with  gold,  a  costly  gift 
Of  her  good  mother,  given  her  on  the  night 
Before  her  birthday,  three  sad  years  ago, 
That  night  of  fire,  when  Edyrn  sack'd  their  house 
And  scatter'd  all  they  had  to  all  the  winds; 
For  while  the  mother  show'd  it,  and  the  two 
Were  turning  and  admiring  it,  the  work 
To  both  appear'd  so  costly,  rose  a  cry 
That  Edyrn's  men  were  on  them,  and  they  fled 
With  little  save  the  jewels  they  had  on,  640 

Which  being  °sold  and  sold  had  bought  them  bread* 
And  Edyrn's  men  liad  ca.ught  them  in  their  flight, 
And  placed  them  in  this  ruin ;  and  she  wish'd 
The  prince  liad  found  ner  in  her  ancient  home; 
Then  let  her  fancy  flit  across  the  past; 
And  roam  the  goodly  places  that  she  knew; 
And  last  bethought  her  how  she  used  to  watch, 
Near  that  old  home,  a  pool  of  golden  carp; 
And  one  was  patch'd  and  blurr'd  and  lustreless 
Among  his  burnish'd  brethren  of  the  pool;  .650 

And  half  asleep  she  made  comparison 
Of  that  and  these  to  her  own  faded  self 
And  the  gay  court,  and  fell  asleep  again. 
And  dreamt  herself  was  such  a  faded  form 
Among  her  burnish'd  sisters  of  the  pool; 
But  this  was  in  the  garden  of  a  king. 
And  tho'  she  lay  dark  in  the  pool  she  knew 
That  all  was  bright;  that  all  about  were  birds 
Of  sunny  plume  in  gilded  trellis-work; 
That  all  the  turf  was  rich  in  plots  that  look'd  660 

Each  like  a  °garnet  or  a  turkis  in  it; 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  83 

And  lords  and  ladies  of  the  high  court  went 

In  °silver  tissue  talking  things  of  state; 

And  children  of  the  King  in  cloth  of  gold 

Glanced  at  the  doors  or  gambol'd  down  the  walks; 

And  while  she  thought,  'They  will  not  see  me/  came 

A  stately  queen  whose  name  was  Guinevere, 

And  all  the  children  in  their  cloth  of  gold 

Ran  to  her,  crying,  *If  we  have  fish  at  all 

Let  them  be  gold;  and  charge  the  gardeners  now  67c 

To  pick  the  faded  creature  from  the  pool, 

And  cast  it  on  the  °mixen  that  it  die.' 

And  therewithal  one  came  and  seized  on  her, 

And  Enid  started  waking,  with  her  heart 

All  overshadowed  by  the  foolish  dream, 

And  lo !  it  was  her  mother  grasping  her 

To  get  her  well  awake ;  and  in  her  hand 

A  suit  of  bright  apparel,  which  she  laid 

Flat  on  the  couch,  and  spoke  exultingly : 

'See  here,  my  child,  how  fresh  the  colors  look,  680 

How  fast  they  hold,  like  colors  of  a  shell 
That  "keeps  the  wear  and  polish  of  the  wave. 
Why  not?     It  never  yet  was  worn,  I  trow: 
Look  on  it,  child,  and  tell  me  if  ye  know  it.' 

And  Enid  look'd,  but,  all  confused  at  first, 
Could  scarce  divide  it  from  her  foolish  dream : 
Then  suddenly  she  knew  it  and  rejoiced, 
And  answer'd,  'Yea,  I  know  it;  your  good  gift. 
So  sadly  lost  on  that  unhappy  night; 
Your  own  good  gift! '    'Yea,  surely,'  said  the  dame,     690 
'And  gladly  given  again  this  happy  morn. 
For  when  the  jousts  were  ended  yesterday, 
Went  Yniol  thro'  the  town,  and  everywhere 
He  found  the  sack  and  plunder  of  our  house 


84  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

All  scatterM  thro'  the  houses  of  the  town, 

And  gave  command  that  all  which  once  was  ours 

Should  now  be  ours  again;  and  yester-eve. 

While  ye  were  talking  sweetly  with  your  prince, 

Came  one  with  this  and  laid  it  in  my  hand, 

For  love  or  fear,  or  seeking  favor  of  us,  /no 

Becaiise  we  have  our  earldom  back  again. 

And  yester-eve  I  would  not  tell  you  of  it, 

But  kept  it  for  a  sweet  surprise  at  morn. 

Yea,  l-ruly  is  it  not  a  sweet  surprise? 

For  I  myself  unwillingly  have  worn 

My  faded  suit,  as  you,  my  child,  have  yours, 

And,  "howsoever  patient,  Yniol  his. 

Ah,  dear,  he  took  me  from  a  goodly  house, 

With  store  of  rich  apparel,  sumptuous  fare,  and  page, 

And  maid,  and  squire,  and  seneschal,  710 

And  pastime  both  of  hawk  and  hound,  and  all 

That  appertains  to  ^noble  maintenance. 

Yea,  and  he  brought  me  to  a  goodly  house ; 

But  since  our  fortune  swerved  from  sun  to  shade, 

And  all  thro'  that  young  traitor,  cruel  need 

Constrain'd  us,  but  a  better  time  has  come; 

So  clothe  yourself  in  this,  that  better  fits 

Our  mended  fortunes  and  a  prince's  bride; 

For  tho'  ye  won  the  prize  of  fairest  fair. 

And  tho'  I  heard  him  call  you  fairest  fair,  720 

Let  never  maiden  think,  however  fair, 

She  is  not  fairer  in  new  clothes  than  old. 

And  shoukl  some  great  court-lady  say,  the  prince 

Hath  pick'd  a  °ragged-robin  from  the  hedge. 

And  like  a  madman  brought  her  to  the  court. 

Then  were  ye  shamed,  and,  worse,  might  shame  the  prince 

To  whom  we  are  beholden ;  but  I  know. 

When  my  dear  child  is  set  forth  at  her  best. 

That  neither  court  nor  country,  tho'  they  sought 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  86 

Thro'  all  the  2:»roviDces  like  °those  of  old  73c 

That  lighted  on  Queen  Estlier,  has  her  match.' 

Here  ceased  tlie  kindly  mother  out  of  breath, 
And  Enid  listen'd  brightening  as  she  lay; 
Then,  as  the  white  and  glittering  star  of  morn 
Parts  from  a  bank  of  snow,  and  by  and  by 
Slips  into  golden  cloud,  the  maiden  rose. 
And  left  her  maiden  couch,  and  robed  herself, 
Help'd  by  the  mother's  careful  hand  and  eye, 
Without  a  mirror,  in  the  gorgeous  gown ; 
Who,  after,  turn'd  her  daughter  round,  and  said  740 

She  never  yet  had  seen  her  half  so  fair; 
And  call'd  her  like  that  maiden  in  the  tale, 
Whom  °Gwydion  made  by  glamour  out  of  flowers, 
And  sweeter  than  the  bride  of  °Cassivelaun, 
Flur,  for  whose  love  the  Roman  Csesar  first 
Invaded  Britain:  'But  we  °beat  him  back. 
As  this  great  prince  invaded  us,  and  we, 
Xot  beat  him  back,  but  welcomed  him  with  joy. 
And  I  can  scarcely  ride  with  3-ou  to  court, 
For  old  am  I,  and  rough  the  ways  and  wild;  750 

But  Yniol  goes,  and  I  full  oft  shall  dream 
I  see  my  princess  as  I  see  her  now. 
Clothed  with  my  gift  and  gay  among  the  gay.' 

But  while  the  women  thus  rejoiced,  Geraint 
Woke  where  he  slept  in  the  high  hall,  and  call'd 
For  Enid,  and  when  Yniol  made  report 
Of  that  good  mother  making  Enid  gay 
In  such  apparel  as  might  well  beseem 
His  princess,  or  indeed  tlie  stately  Queen, 
He  answer'd:  'Earl,  entreat  her  by  my  love,  760 

Albeit  I  give  no  reason  but  my  wish. 
That  she  ride  with  me  in  her  faded  silk.'  ♦ 


86  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Yniol  with  that  hard  message  went;  it  fell 

Like  flaws  in  summer  laying  lusty  corn: 

For  Enid,  all  abashed  she  knew  not  why, 

Dare  not  to  glance  at  her  good  mother's  face, 

But  silently,  in  all  obedience, 

Her  mother  silent  too,  nor  helping  her, 

Laid  from  her  limbs  the  costly-broider'd  gift, 

And  robed  them  in  her  ancient  suit  again,  770 

And  so  descended.     Never  man  rejoiced 

More  than  Geraint  to  greet  her  thus  attired; 

And  glancing  all  at  once  as  keenly  at  her 

As  "careful  robins  eye  the  delver's  toil, 

Made  her  cheek  burn  and  either  eyelid  fall, 

But  rested  with  her  sweet  face  satisfied ; 

Then  seeing  cloud  upon  the  mother's  brow. 

Her  by  both  hands  he  caught,  and  sweetly  said: 

j-v-'*0  my  new  mother,  be  not  wroth  or  grieved 
-^A.t  thy  new  son,  for  my  petition  to  her.  7S0 

When  late  I  left  Caerleon,  our  great  Queen, 
In  words  whose  echo  lasts,  they  were  so  sweet. 
Made  promise  that,  whatever  bride  I  brought. 
Herself  would  clothe  her  like  the  sun  in  heaven. 
Thereafter,  when  I  reach'd  this  ruin'd  hall. 
Beholding  one  so  bright  in  dark  estate, 
T  vow'd  that,  could  I  gain  her,  our  fair  Queen, 
No  hand  but  hers,  should  make  your  Enid  burst 
Sunlike  from  cloud  —  and  likewise  thought  perhaps, 
That  service  done  so  graciously  would  bind  79c 

The  two  together;  fain  I  would  the  two 
Should  love  each  other :  how  can  Enid  find 
A  nobler  friend?     Another  thought  was  mine: 
I  came  among  you  here  so  suddenly 
That  tho'  her  gentle  presence  at  the  lists 
Might  well  have  served  for  proof  that  I  was  loved, 


THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  87 

1  doubted  whether  daughter's  tenderness, 

Or  easy  nature,  might  nut  let  itself 

Be  moulded  by  your  wishes  for  her  weal; 

Or  whether  some  °false  sense  in  her  own  sel/  So« 

Of  my  contrasting  brightness  overbore 

Her  fancy  dwelling  in  this  dusky  hall; 

And  such  a  sense  might  make  her  long  for  cour: 

And  all  its  perilous  glories :  and  I  thought, 

That  could  I  someway  prove  such  force  in  her 

Link'd  with  such  love  for  me  that  at  a  word, 

Xo  reason  given  her,  she  could  cast  aside 

A  splendor  dear  to  women,  new  to  her, 

And  therefore  dearer;  °or  if  not  so  new, 

Yet  therefore  tenfold  dearer  by  the  power  8io 

Of  intermitted  usage ;  then  I  felt 

That  I  could  rest,  a  rock  in  ebbs  and  flows, 

Fixt  on  her  faith.     Kow,  therefore,  I  do  rest, 

A  prophet  certain  of  my  prophecy. 

That  never  °shadow  of  mistrust  can  cross 

Between  us.     Grant  me  pardon  for  m}^  thoughts ; 

And  for  my  strange  petition  I  will  make 

Amends  hereafter  by  some  °gaudy-day, 

When  your  fair  child  shall  wear  your  costly  gift 

Beside  your  own  warm  hearth,  with,  on  her  knees,       S20 

Who  knows?  another  gift  of  tiie  high  God, 

Which,  maybe,  shall  have  learn'd  to  lisp  you  thanks." 

He  spoke :  the  mother  smiled,  but  half  in  tears. 
Then  brought  a  mantle  down  and  wrapt  her  in  it, 
And  claspt  and  kiss'd  her,  and  they  rode  away. 

Now  thrice  that  morning  Guinevere  had  climb'd 
The  giant  tower,  from  whose  higli  crest,  they  say, 
^fen  saw  the  goodly  hills  of  Somerset, 
And  white  sails  flying  on  the  °yeliow  sea; 


88  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

But  not  to  goodly  hill  or  yellow  sea  830 

Look'd  the  fair  Queen,  but  up  the  vale  of  Usk, 

By  the  flat  meadow,  till  she  saw  them  come; 

And  then  descending  met  them  at  the  gates, 

Embraced  her  with  all  welcome  as  a  friend, 

And  did  her  honor  as  the  prince's  bride, 

And  clothed  her  for  her  bridals  like  the  sun ; 

And  all  that  week  was  old  Caerleon  gay, 

For  by  the  hands  of  °Dubric,  the  high  saint, 

They  twain  were  wedded  with  all  ceremony. 

And  this  was  on  the  last  year's  Whitsuntide.  84c 

But  Enid  ever  kept  the  faded  silk, 
Remembering  how  first  he  came  on  her 
Drest  in  that  dress,  and  how  he  loved  her  in  it, 
And  all  her  foolish  fears  about  the  dress. 
And  all  his  journey  toward  her,  as  himself 
Had  told  her,  and  their  coming  to  the  court. 

And  now  this  morning  when  he  said  to  her, 
*Put  on  your  worst  and  meanest  dress,'  she  found 
And  took  it,  and  arrav'd  herself  thereiuo 


GEEAIXT   AXD   EXID 

°0  PURBLIND  race  of  miserable  men, 
How  many  among  us  at  this  very  hour 
Do  °forge  a  lifelong  trouble  for  ourselves, 
By  taking  true  for  false,  or  false  for  true ; 
Here,  thro'  the  feeble  twilight  of  this  world 
Groping,  °liow  many,  until  we  pass  and  reach 
That  other  where  we  °see  as  we  are  seen ! 

So  fared  it  with  Geraint,  who  issuing  forth 
That  morning,  when  the}^  both  had  °got  to  horse, 
Perhaps  because  he  loved  her  passionately. 
And  felt  that  tempest  brooding  round  his  heart 
Which,  if  he  spoke  at  all,  would  break  perforce 
Upon  a  head  so  °dear  in  thunder,  said: 
*Xot  at  my  side.     I  charge  thee  ride  before, 
Ever  a  good  way  on  before ;  and  this 
I  charge  thee,  on  thy  duty  as  a. wife, 
AYhatever  happens,  not  to  speak  to  me, 
Xo,  not  a  word! '  and  Enid  was  °aghast; 
And  forth  they  rode,  but  scarce  three  paces  on,, 
AYhen  crying  out,  ^'Effeminate  as  I  am, 
I  will  not  fight  my  way  with  gilded  arms. 
All  shall  be  iron ; '  he  loosed  a  mighty  purse, 
Hung  at  his  belt,  and  hurl'd  it  toward  the  squire. 
So  the  last  sight  that  Enid  had  of  home 
Was  all  the  marble  threshold  flashing,  °strown 
With  gold  and  scatter'd  coinage,  and  the  squire 

89 


90  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

°Chaling  his  shoulder:  then  he  cried  again, 

*To  the  wilds! '  and  Enid  leading  down  the  tracks 

Thro'  which  he  bade  her  lead  him  on,  they  past 

The  marches,  and  by  bandit-haunted  holds,  30 

Gray  swamps  and  pools,  waste  places  of  the  hern, 

And  wildernesses,  perilous  paths,  they  rode. 

°Round  was  their  pace  at  first,  but  slacken'd  soon. 

A  stranger  meeting  them  had  surely  thought, 

They  rode  so  slowly  and  they  look'd  so  pale, 

That  each  had  suffer'd  some  exceeding  wrong. 

For  he  was  ever  saying  to  himself, 

*0,  I  that  ° wasted  time  to  tend  upon  her. 

To  compass  her  with  sweet  observances. 

To  dress  her  beautifully  and  keep  her  true '  —  40 

And  there  he  broke  the  sentence  in  his  heart 

Abruptly,  as  a  man  upon  his  tongue 

May  break  it  when  his  passion  masters  him. 

And  she  was  ever  praying  the  sweet  heavens 

To  save  her  dear  lord  whole  from  any  wound. 

And  ever  in  her  mind  she  cast  about 

For  that  unnoticed  failing  in  herself 

Which  made  him  look  so  cloudy  and  so  cold; 

Till  the  great  "plover's  human  whistle  amazed 

Her  heart,  and  glancing  round  the  waste  she  fear'd        5c 

In  every  wavering  °brake  an  ambuscade: 

Then  thought  again,  'If  there  be  such  in  me, 

I  might  amend  it  by  the  grace  of  Heaven, 

If  he  would  only  speak  and  tell  me  of  it. '. 

But  when  the  fourth  part  of  the  day  was  gone, 
Then  Enid  was  aware  of  tliree  tall  knights 
On  horseback,  wholly  arm'd,  behind  a  rock 
In  shadow,  waiting  for  them,  caitiffs  all; 
And  heard  one  crying  to  his  fellow,  'Look, 
Here  comes  a  laggard  hanging  down  his  head,  60 


GERAINT   AND    ENID  91 

Who  seems  no  bolder  than  a  beaten  hound; 
Come,  we  will  slay  him  and  will  have  his  horse 
And  armor,  and  his  damsel  shall  be  ours.' 

Then  Enid  ponder'd  in  her  lieart,  and  said: 
'I  will  go  back  a  little  to  my  lord, 
And  I  will  tell  him  all  their  caitiff  talk; 
For,  be  he  wrotli  even  to  slaying  me, 
Far  liefer  by  his  dear  hand  had  I  die 
Than  that  my  lord  should  suffer  loss  or  shame.' 

Then  she  went  back  some  paces  of  return,  70 

Met  his  full  frown  timidly  firm,  and  said: 
'My  lord,  I  saw  three  bandits  by  the  rock     . 
Waiting  to  fall  on  you,  and  heard  them  boast 
That  they  would  slay  you,  and  possess  your  horse 
And  armor,  and  your  damsel  should  be  theirs.' 

He  made  a  wrathful  answer:  'Did  I  wish 
Your  warning  or  3'our  silence?  one  command 
1  laid  upon  you,  not  to  speak  to  me, 
And  thus  jq  keep  it!     AVell  then,  look  —  for  now, 
Whether  ye  wish  me  victory  or  defeat,  80 

Long  for  my  life,  or  hunger  for  my  death. 
Yourself  shall  see  my  vigor  is  not  lost.' 

Then  Enid  waited  pale  and  sorrowful. 
And  down  upon  him  bare  the  bandit  three. 
And  at  the  midmost  charging.  Prince  Geraint 
Drave  the  long  spear  a  °cubit  thro'  his  breast 
And  out  beyond ;  and  then  against  his  brace 
Of  comrades,  each  of  whom  had  broken  on  him 
A  lance  that  splinter'd  like  an  icicle, 
Swung  from  his  brand  a  °\vindy  buffet  out  90 

Once,  twice,  to  right,  to  left,  and  stunn'd  the  twain 


92  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Or  slew  them,  and  dismounting,  like  a  man 
That  skins  the  wild  beast  after  slaying  him, 
°Stript  from  the  three  dead  wolves  of  woman  born 
The  three  gay  suits  of  armor  which  they  wore, 
And  let  the  bodies  lie,  but  bound  the  suits 
Of  armor  on  their  horses,  °each  on  each. 
And  tied  the  bridle-reins  of  all  the  three 
Together,  and  said  to  her,  'Drive  them  on 
Before  you; '  and  she  drove  them  thro'  the  waste. 

He  follow'd  nearer:  °ruth  began  to  work 
Against  his  anger  in  him,  while  he  watched 
The  being  he  loved  best  in  all  the  world, 
With  difficulty  in  mild  obedience 
Driving  them  on :  he  fain  had  spoken  to  her. 
And  loosed  in  words  of  sudden  fire  the  wrath 
And  smoulder'd  wrong  that  burnt  him  all  within; 
But  evermore  it  seem'd  an  easier  thing 
At  once  without  remorse  to  strike  her  dead 
Than  to  cry  'Halt,'  and  to  her  own  bright  face 
Accuse  her  of  the  least  immodesty: 
And  thus  tongue-tied,  it  made  him  wroth  the  more 
That  she  could  speak  whom  his  own  ear  had  heard 
Call  herself  false;  and  suffering  thus  he  made 
Minutes  an  age :  but  in  scarce  longer  time 
Than  at  °Caerleon  the  full-tided  Usk, 
Before  he  turn  to  fall  seaward  again. 
Pauses,  did  Enid,  keeping  watch,  behold 
In  the  first  "shallow  shixde  of  a  deep  wood 
Before  a  gloom  of  "stubborn -shafted  oaks, 
Three  other  horsemen  waiting,  wholly  arm'd. 
Whereof  one  seem'd  far  larger  than  her  lord. 
And  "shook  her  pulses,  crying,  'Look,  a  prize! 
Three  horses  and  three  goodly  suits  of  arms. 
And  all  in  charge  of  whom?  a  girl:  °set  on.' 


GERAINT   AND    ENID  93 

^Nay/  said  the  second,  'yonder  comes  a  knight.* 
The  third,  'A  craven;  how  he  hangs  his  head! ' 
The  giant  answer'd  merrily,  'Yea,  but  one? 
Wait  here,  and  when  he  passes  fall  upon  him !  * 

And  Enid  ponder'd  in  her  heart  and  said:  130 

*I  will  abide  the  coming  of  my  lord. 
And  I  will  tell  him  all  their  villany. 
My  lord  is  weary  with  the  fight  before, 
And  they  will  fall  upon  him  unawares. 
I  needs  must  disobey  him  for  his  good; 
How  should  I  dare  obey  him  to  his  harm? 
Needs  must  I  speak,  and  tho'  he  kill  me  for  it, 
I  save  a  life  dearer  to  me  than  mine.' 

And  she  abode  his  coming,  and  said  to  him 
With  timid  firmness,  'Have  I  leave  to  speak?'  140 

He  said,  'Ye  take  it,  speaking,'  and  she  spoke: 

'There  lurk  three  villains  yonder  in  the  wood, 
And  each  of  them  is  wholly  arm'd,  and  one 
Is  larger-limb'd  than  you  are,  and  they  say 
That  they  will  fall  upon  you  while  ye  pass.' 

To  which  he  flung  a  wrathful  answer  back: 
*And  if  there  were  an  hundred  in  the  wood. 
And  every  man  were  larger-limb'd  than  T, 
And  all  at  once  should  sally  out  upon  me, 
I  swear  it  would  not  ruffle  me  so  much  150 

As  you  that  not  obey  me.     Stand  aside, 
And  if  I  fall,  cleave  to  the  better  man.' 

/^    And  Enid  stood  aside  to  wait  the  event, 
^NTot  dare  to  watch  the  combat,  only  breathe 
Short  fits  of  prayer,  at  every  stroke  a  breath. 


94  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  he  she  dreaded  most  bare  down  upon  him. 

Aim'd  at  the  helm,  his  lance  °err'd;  but  Geraint's, 

A  little  in  the  late  encounter  strain'd, 

Struck  thro'  the  bulky  bandit's  °corselet  home, 

And  then  brake  short,  and  down  his  enemy  roll'd,        i6o 

And  there  lay  still ;  as  °he  that  tells  the  tale 

Saw  once  a  great  piece  of  a  promontory, 

That  had  a  sapling  growing  on  it,  slide 

From  the  long  shore-cliff's  ° windy  walls  to  the  beach, 

And  there  lie  still,  and  yet  the  sapling  grew: 

So  lay  the  man  transfixt.     His  craven  pair 

Of  comrades  making  slowlier  at  the  prince. 

When  now  they  saw  their  "bulwark  fallen,  stood; 

On  whom  the  victor,  to  confound  them  more, 

Spurr'd  with  his  terrible  war-cry;  for  as  one,  170 

That  listens  near  a  torrent  mountain-brook. 

All  thro'  the  crash  of  the  near  cataract  hears 

The  drumming  thunder  of  the  huger  fall 

At  distance,  were  the  soldiers  wont  to  hear 

His  voice  in  battle,  and  be  kindled  by  it. 

And  foemen  scared,  like  that  false  pair  who  turn'd 

Flying,  but,  overtaken,  died  the  death 

Themselves  had  wrought  on  many  an  innocent. 

Thereon  Geraint,  dismounting,  pick'd  the  lance 
That  pleased  him  best,  and  drew  from  those  dead  wolves  180 
Their  three  gay  suits  of  armor,  each  from  each, 
And  bound  them  on  their  horses,  each  on  each, 
And  tied  the  bridle-reins  of  all  the  three 
Together,  and  said  to  her,  'Drive  them  on 
Before  you,'  and  she  drove  them  thro'  the  wood. 

He  follow'd  nearer  still :  tlie  pain  she  had 
To  keep  them  in  the  wild  ways  of  the  wood, 
Two  sets  of  three  laden  with  jingling  arms, 


GERAINT   AND    ENID  95 

Together,  served  a  little  to  Misedge 

The  sharpness  of  that  i)ain  about  her  heart:  19c 

And  they  themselves,  like  creatures  gently  born 

But  into  bad  hands  fallen,  and  now  so  long 

By  bandits  groomed,  prickM  their  °light  ears,  and  felt 

Her  low  firm  voice  and  tender  government. 

So  thro'  the  °green  gloom  of  tlie  wood  they  past, 
And  issuing  under  open  heavens  beheld 
A  little  town  witli  towers,  upon  a  rock. 
And  close  beneath,  a  °meadow  gemlike  chased 
In  the  brown  wild,  and  mowers  mowing  in  it: 
And  down  a  rocky  pathway  from  the  place  200 

There  came  a  fair-hair'd  youth,  that  in  his  hand 
Bare  "victual  for  the  mowers;  and  Geraint 
Had  ruth  again  on  Enid  looking  pale: 
Then,  moving  downward  to  the  meadow  ground, 
He,  when  the  fair-hair'd  youth  came  by  him,  said, 
*  Friend,  let  her  eat;  the  damsel  is  so  faint.  ^ 
'Yea,  willingly,'  replied  the  youth;  'and  thou, 
My  lord,  eat  also,  tho'  the  fare  is  coarse. 
And  only  meet  for  mowers; '  then  set  down 
His  basket,  and  dismounting  on  the  sward  210 

They  let  the  horses  graze,  and  ate  themselves. 
And  Enid  took  a  little  delicately. 
Less  having  ^stomach  for  it  than  desire 
To  °close  with  her  lord's  pleasure;  but  Geraint 
Ate  all  the  mowers'  victuals  unawares. 
And  when  he  found  all  empty  was  amazed; 
And  'Boy,'  said  he,  'I  have  eaten  all,  but  take 
A  horse  and  arms  for  °guerdon;  choose  the  best.' 
He  reddening  in  extremity  of  delight, 
'My  lord,  you  overpay  me  fifty-fold.'  220 

'Ye  will  be  all  the  wealthier,'  cried  the  prince 
'I  take  it  as  free  gift,  then,'  said  the  boy. 


96  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

*]S"ot  guerdon;  for  myself  can  easily, 

While  your  good  damsel  rests,  return  and  fetch 

Fresh  victual  for  these  mowers  of  our  earl; 

For  these  are  his,  and  all  the  field  is  his, 

And  I  myself  am  his;  and  I  will  tell  him 

How  great  a  man  thou  art :  he  loves  to  know 

When  men  of  mark  are  in  his  territory; 

And  he  will  have  thee  to  his  palace  here  230 

And  serve  thee  costlier  than  with  mowers'  fare.' 

Then  said  Geraint:  *I  wish  no  better  fare: 
T  never  ate  with  °angrier  appetite 
Than  when  I  left  j^our  mowers  dinnerless. 
And  into  no  earl's  palace  will  I  go. 
I  know,  God  knows,  too  much  of  palaces ! 
And  if  he  want  me,  let  him  come  to  me. 
But  hire  us  some  fair  chamber  for  the  night. 
And  stalling  for  the  horses,  and  return 
With  victuals  for  these  men,  and  let  us  know. '  240 

'Yea,  my  kind  lord,'  said  the  glad  youth,  and  went, 
Held  his  head  high,  and  "thought  himself  a  knight, 
And  up  the  rocky  pathway  disappear'd. 
Leading  the  horse,  and  they  were  left  alone. 

But  when  the  prince  had  brought  his  °errant  eyes 
Home  from  the  rock,  sidewa3-s  he  let  them  glance 
At  Enid,  where  she  droopt :  his  own  °f alse  doom, 
That  shadow  of  mistrust  should  never  cross 
Betwixt  them,  came  upon  him,  and  he  sigh'd; 
Then  with  another  °humorous  ruth  remark'd  250 

The  lusty  mowers  laboring  dinnerless, 
And  watch 'd  the  sun  blaze  on  the  turning  scythe, 
And  after  nodded  sleepily  in  the  heat. 
But  she,  remembering  her  old  ruin'd  hall, 


GERAINT   AXD    ENID  97 

And  all  the  windy  clamor  of  the  ^'daws 

About  her  hollow  turret,  pluck'd  the  grass 

There  growing  longest  by  the  meadow's  edge, 

And  into  many  a  °listless  annulet, 

Now  over,  now  beneath  her  marriage  ring. 

Wove  and  unwove  it,  till  the  boy  return 'd  260 

And  told  them  of  a  chamber,  and  they  went; 

Where,  after  saying  to  her,  ^If  ye  will. 

Call  for  the  woman  of  the  house,'  to  which 

She  answer'd,  'Thanks,  my  lord;'  the  two  remain'd 

Ax^art  by  all  the  chamber's  width,  and  mute 

As  creatures  °voiceless  thro'  the  fault  of  birth, 

Or  two  °wild  men  supporters  of  a  shield, 

Painted,  who  stare  at  open  space,  nor  glance 

The  one  at  other,  parted  by  the  shield. 

On  a  sudden,  many  a  voice  along  the  street,  270 

And  heel  against  the  pavement  echoing,  burst 
Their  °drowse;  and  either  started  while  the  door, 
Pusli'd  from  without,  drave  backward  to  the  wall, 
And  midmost  of  a  rout  of  roisterers. 
Femininely  fair  and  dissolutely  pale, 
Her  suitor  in  old  years  before  Geraiut 
Enter'd,  the  wild  lord  of  the  place,  °Limours. 
He  moving  up  with  pliant  courtliness 
Greeted  Geraint  °full  face,  but  stealthily, 
In  the  mid-warmth  of  welcome  and  graspt  hand,  280 

Pound  Enid  with  the  corner  of  his  eye, 
And  knew  her  sitting  sad  and  solitary. 
Then  cried  Geraint  for  wine  and  goodly  cheer 
To  feed  the  sudden  guest,  and  sumptuously 
According  to  his  fashion,  bade  the  host 
Call  in  what  men  soever  were  his  friends. 
And  feast  with  these  in  honor  of  their  earl; 
*And  care  not  for  the  cost;  the  cost  is  mine.' 


98  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  wine  and  food  were  brought,  and  Earl  Limburs 
Drank  till  he  jested  with  all  ease,  and  told  290 

Free  tales,  and  °took  the  word  and  play'd  upon  it, 
And  made  it  of  two  colors ;  for  his  talk, 
When  wine  and  free  companions  kindled  him 
Was  wont  to  glance  and  sparkle  like  a  gem 
Of  fifty  "facets;  thus  he  moved  the  prince 
To  laughter  and  his  comrades  to  applause. 
Then,  when  the  prince  was  merry,  ask'd  Limours, 
'Your  leave,  my  lord,  to  cross  the  room,  and  speak 
To  your  good  damsel  there  who  sits  apart, 
And  seems  so  lonely?  '     'M}^  free  leave,'  he  said;         300 
Get  her  to  speak:  she  doth  not  speak  to  me.' 
Then  rose  Limours,  and  looking  at  his  feet. 
Like  him  who  tries  the  bridge  he  fears  may  fail, 
Crost  and  came  near,  lifted  adoring  eyes, 
Bow'd  to  her  side  and  utter'd  whisperingly : 

*Enid,  the  °pilot  star  of  my  lone  life, 
Enid,  my  early  and  my  only  love, 
Enid,  the  loss  of  whom  hath  turn'd  me  wild  — 
What  chance  is  this?  how  is  it  I  see  you  here? 
Ye  are  in  my  power  at  last,  are  in  my  power.  310 

Yet  fear  me  not :  I  call  mine  own  self  wild, 
But  keep  a  touch  of  sweet  civility 
Flere  in  the  heart  of  waste  and  wilderness. 
I  thought,  but  that  your  father  came  between. 
In  former  days  you  saw  me  favorably. 
And  if  it  were  so  do  not  keep  it  back : 
Make  me  a  little  happier:  let  me  know  it: 
Owe  3'Ou  me  nothing  for  a  life  half-lost? 
Yea,  yea,  the  whole  dear  debt  of  all  you  are. 
And,  Enid,  you  and  he,  I  see  with  joy,  320 

Ye  sit  apart,  you  do  not  speak  to  him, 


GERAINT   AND    ENID  d9 

You  come  with  no  attendance,  page  or  maid, 

To  serve  you  —  doth  he  love  you  as  of  old? 

For,  call  it  °lovers'  quarrels,  yet  I  know 

Tho'  men  may  °bicker  with  the  things  they  love. 

They  would  not  make  them  laughable  in  all  eyes, 

Not  while  they  loved  them ;  and  your  wretched  dress, 

A  wretched  insult  on  you,  dumbly  speaks 

Your  story,  that  this  man  loves  you  no  more. 

Y^our  beauty  is  not  beauty  to  him  now:  330 

A  °common  chance  —  right  well  I  know  it  —  pall'd  — 

For  I  know  men :  nor  will  ye  win  him  back. 

For  the  man's  love  once  gone  never  returns. 

But  here  is  one  who  loves  you  as  of  old ; 

With  more  exceeding  passion  than  of  old : 

Good,  speak  the  word:  my  followers  °ring  him  round: 

He  sits  unarmed;  I  hold  a  finger  up; 

They  understand:  nay,  I  do  not  mean  blood; 

Nor  need  ye  look  so  scared  at  what  I  say. 

My  °malice  is  no  deeper  than  a  moat,  340 

No  stronger  than  a  wall :  there  is  the  keep ; 

He  shall  not  cross  us  more;  speak  but  the  word: 

Or  speak  it  not;  but  then  by  Him  that  made  me 

The  one  true  lover  whom  you  ever  own'd, 

I  will  make  use  of  all  the  power  I  have. 

0  pardon  me !  the  madness  of  that  hour 

When  first  I  parted  from  thee  moves  me  yet.' 

At  this  the  tender  sound  of  his  own  voice 
And  sweet  self-pity,  or  the  fancy  of  it, 
Made  his  eye  moist;  but  Enid  fear'd  his  eyes,  350 

Moist  as  they  were,  wine-heated  from  the  feast, 
And  answer' d  with  such  craft  as  women  use. 
Guilty  or  °guiltless,  to  stave  off  a  chance 
That  breaks  upon  them  perilously,  and  said : 


100  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

'Earl,  if  you  love  me  as  in  former  years, 
And  do  not  °practise  on  me,  come  with  morn, 
And  snatch  me  from  him  as  by  violence; 
Leave  me  to-night:  I  am  weary  to  the  death.' 

Low  at  leave-taking,  with  his  brandish'd  plume 
Brushing  his  instep,  bow'd  the  all-amorous  earl,  360 

And  the  stout  prince  bade  him  a  loud  good-night. 
He  moving  homeward  °babbled  to  his  men, 
How  Enid  never  loved  a  man  but  him. 
Nor  cared  a  broken  egg-shell  for  her  lord. 

But  Enid  left  alone  with  Prince  Geraint, 
Debating  his  command  of  silence  given. 
And  that  she  now  perforce  must  violate  it. 
Held  °commune  with  herself,  and  while  she  held 
He  fell  asleep,  and  Enid  had  no  heart 
To  wake  him,  but  hung  o'er  him,  wholly  pleased  370 

To  find  him  yet  unwounded  after  fight, 
And  hear  him  breathing  low  and  equally. 
Anon  she  rose  and,  stepping  lightl}^,  heap'd 
The  pieces  of  his  armor  in  one  place. 
All  to  be  there  against  a  sudden  need; 
Then  dozed  awhile  herself,  but,  overtoil'd 
By  that  day's  grief  and  travel,  evermore 
Seem'd  catching  at  a  rootless  thorn,  and  then 
Went  slipping  down  horrible  precipices, 
And  strongly  striking  out  her  limbs  awoke;  380 

Then  thought  she  heard  the  wild  earl  at  the  door, 
AVith  all  his  rout  of  °random  followers, 
Sound  on  a  dreadful  trumpet,  summoning  her; 
Which  was  the  red  cock  shouting  to  the  light, 
As  the  gray  dawn  stole  o'er  the  dewy  world 
And  glimmer'd  on  his  armor  in  the  room. 
And  once  again  she  rose  to  look  at  it, 


GERAINT   AND    EXID  101 

But  touch'd  it  unawares :  °jangling,  the  casque 

Fell,  and  he  started  up  and  stared  at  her. 

Then  breaking  his  command  of  silence  given,  390 

She  told  him  all  that  Earl  Limours  had  said, 

Except  the  passage  that  he  loved  her  not; 

Nor  left  untold  the  craft  herself  had  used, 

But  ended  with  apology  so  sweet, 

Low-spoken,  and  of  so  few  words,  and  seemM 

So  justified  by  that  necessity, 

That  tho'  he  thought,  'Was  it  for  him  she  wept 

In  Devon?'  he  but  gave  a  wrathful  groan. 

Saying,  'Your  °sweet  faces  make  good  fellows  fools 

And  traitors.     Call  the  liost  and  bid  him  bring  400 

Charger  and  palfrey.'     So  she  glided  out 

Among  the  heavy  breathings  of  the  house, 

And  like  a  household  spirit  at  the  walls 

Beat,  till  she  woke  the  sleepers,  and  return'd; 

Then  tending  her  rough  lord,  tho'  all  unask'd. 

In  silence,  did  him  service  as  a  squire; 

Till  issuing  arm'd  he  found  the  host  and  cried, 

'Thy  reckoning,  friend?'  and  ere  he  learnt  it,  'Take 

Eive  horses  and  their  armors ; '  and  the  host, 

Suddenly  °honest,  answer'd  in  amaze,  410 

']\[y  lord,  I  scarce  have  spent  the  worth  of  one! ' 

'Ye  will  be  all  the  wealthier,'  said  the  prince. 

And  then  to  Enid,  'Forward!  and  to-day 

I  charge  you,  Enid,  more  especially. 

What  thing  soever  jq  may  hear,  or  see. 

Or  fancy  —  tho'  I  count  it  of  small  use 

To  charge  you  —  that  ye  speak  not  but  obey.' 

And  Enid  answer'd:  'Yea,  my  lord,  I  know 
Your  wish  and  °would  obe}' ;  but,  riding  first, 
I  hear  the  violent  threats  you  do  not  hear,  420 

I  see  the  danger  which  you  cannot  see : 


102  IDYLLS    OF   THE    KING 

Then  not  to  give  you  warning,  that  seems  hard, 
Almost  beyond  me ;  yet  I  would  obey. ' 

'Yea  so/  said  he,  'do  it:  be  not  °too  wise; 
Seeing  that  ye  are  wedded  to  a  man, 
Not  all  mismated  with  a  yawning  clown. 
But  one  with  arms  to  guard  his  head  and  yours, 
With  eyes  to  find  you  out  however  far. 
And  ears  to  hear  you  even  in  his  dreams.' 

With  that  he  turn'd  and  look'd  as  keenly  at  her       430 
As  careful  robins  eye  the  delver's  toil; 
And  that  within  her  which  a  wanton  fool 
Or  hasty  judger  would  have  call'd  her  guilt 
Made  her  cheek  burn  and  either  eyelid  fall. 
And  Geraint  look'd  and  was  not  satisfied. 

Then  forward  by  a  way  which,  beaten  broad, 
Led  from  the  territory  of  false  Limours 
To  the  waste  earldom  of  another  earl, 
Doorm,  whom  his  shaking  vassals  call'd  the  Bull, 
Went  Enid  with  her  sullen  follower  on.  440 

Once  she  look'd  back,  and  when  she  saw  him  ride 
More  near  by  many  a  rood  than  yestermorn, 
It  wellnigh  made  her  cheerful ;  till  Geraint, 
Waving  an  angry  hand  as  who  should  say, 
*Ye  watch  me,'  sadden'd  all  her  heart  again. 
But  while  the  sun  yet  beat  a  °dewy  blade. 
The  sound  of  many  a  heavily-galloping  hoof 
Smote  on  her  ear,  and  turning  round  she  saw 
Dust,  and  the  points  of  lances  °bicker  in  it. 
Then,  not  to  disobey  her  lord's  behest,  450 

And  yet  to  give  him  warning,  for  he  rode 
As  if  he  heard  not,  moving  back  she  held 
Her  finger  up,  and  pointed  to  the  dust. 


GERAINT   AND    ENID  103 

At  which  the  warrior  in  his  obstinacy, 

Because  she  kept  the  °letter  of  his  word, 

Was  in  a  manner  pleased,  and  turning  stood. 

ind  in  the  moment  after,  wild  Limours, 

Borne  on  a  black  horse,  like  a  thunder-cloud 

Whose  skirts  are  loosen'd  by  the  breaking  storm, 

Half  °ridden  off  with  by  the  tiling  he  rode,  460 

And  all  in  passion  uttering  a  °dry  shriek, 

Dash^l  on  Geraint,  who  closed  with  him,  and  °bore 

Down  by  the  length  of  lance  and  arm  beyond 

The  crupper,  and  so  left  him  stunn'd  or  dead, 

And  overthrew  the  next  that  follow'd  him. 

And  blindly  rush'd  on  all  the  rout  behind. 

But  at  the  °flash  and  motion  of  the  man 

They  vanished  panic-stricken,  like  a  °shoal 

Of  darting  fish,  that  on  a  summer  morn 

Adown  the  ^crystal  dykes  at  Camelot  470 

Come  slipping  o'er  their  shadows  on  the  sand, 

But  if  a  man  who  stands  u})on  the  brink 

But  lift  a  shining  hand  against  the  sun, 

There  is  not  left  the  °twinkle  of  a  fin 

Betwixt  the  °cressy  islets  white  in  flower; 

So,  scared  but  at  the  motion  of  the  man. 

Fled  all  the  °boon  companions  of  tlie  earl, 

And  left  him  lying  in  the  public  way; 

So  vanish  friendships  only  made  in  wine. 

Then  like  a  °stormy  sunlight  smiled  Geraint,  4S0 

Who  saw  the  chargers  of  the  two  that  fell 
Start  from  their  fallen  lords  and  wildly  fly, 
Mixt  with  the  °flyers.     'Horse  and  man/  he  said, 
'All  of  one  mind  and  all  right-honest  friends! 
Xot  a  hoof  left:  and  I  methinks  till  now 
Was  honest  —  paid  with  horses  and  with  arms; 
I  cannot  steal  or  plunder,  no,  nor  beg: 


104  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  so  what  say  ye,  shall  we  strip  him  there. 

Your  lover?  has  jouv  palfrey  heart  enough 

To  bear  his  armor?  shall  we  fast  or  dine?  490 

No?  —  then  do  thou,  being  right  honest,  pray 

That  we  may  meet  the  horsemen  of  Earl  Doorm; 

I  too  would  still  be  honest.'     Thus  he  said; 

And  sadl}^  gazing  on  her  bridle-reins, 

And  answering  not  one  word,  she  led  the  way. 

But  as  a  man  to  whom  a  dreadful  loss 
Tails  in  a  far  land  and  he  knows  it  not, 
But  coming  back  he  learns  it,  and  the  loss 
So  pains  him  that  he  sickens  nigh  to  death; 
So  fared  it  with  Geraint,  who,  being  prick'd  500 

In  combat  with  the  follower  of  Limours, 
Bled  underneath  his  armor  secretly. 
And  so  rode  on,  nor  told  his  gentle  wife 
What  ail'd  him,  hardly  knowing  it  himself, 
Till  his  eye  darken'd  and  his  helmet  °wagg'd; 
And  at  a  sudden  °swerving  of  the  road, 
Tho'  happily  down  on  a  bank  of  grass, 
The  prince,  without  a  word,  from  his  horse  fell. 

And  Enid  heard  the  clashing  of  his  fall, 
Suddenly  came,  and  at  his  side  all  pale  510 

Dismounting  loosed  the  fastenings  of  his  arms, 
Nor  let  her  true  hand  falter,  nor  blue  eye 
Moisten,  till  she  had  lighted  on  his  wound, 
And  tearing  off  her  veil  of  faded  silk 
Had  bared  her  forehead  to  the  blistering  sun, 
And  swathed  the  hurt  that  drain'd  her  dear  lord's  life. 
Then,  after  all  was  done  that  hand  could  do, 
She  rested,  and  her  desolation  came 
Upon  her,  and  she  wept  beside  the  way. 


GERAINT   AND    EXID  105 

iind  many  past,  but  none  regarded  her,  520 

For  in  that  realm  ot"  lawless  turbulence 
A  woman  weeping  for  her  murder'd  mate 
Was  cared  as  much  for  as  a  summer  shower. 
One  took  him  for  a  victim  of  Earl  Doorm, 
Nor  dared  to  waste  a  °perilous  pity  on  him : 
Another  hi^rrying  past,  a  man-at-arms, 
Rode  on  a  mission  to  the  bandit  earl ; 
Half  whistling  and  half  singing  a  coarse  song. 
He  drove  the  dust  against  her  veilless  eyes : 
Another,  flying  from  the  wrath  of  Doorm  530 

Before  an  ever-fancied  arrow,  made 
The  long  way  °smoke  beneath  him  in  his  fear; 
At  which  her  palfrey  whinnying  lifted  heel, 
And  °scour'd  into  the  coppices  and  was  lost. 
While  the  great  charger  stood,  grieved  like  a  man. 

But  at  the  point  of  noon  the  huge  Earl  Doorm, 
Broad-faced  with  under-fringe  of  russet  beard, 
Bound  on  a  °foray,  rolling  eyes  of  prey, 
Came  riding  with  a  hundred  lances  up; 
But  ere  he  came,  like  one  that  hails  a  ship,  540 

Cried  out  with  a  big  voice,  'What,  is  he  dead?' 
'Xo,  no,  not  dead  I '  she  answer'd  in  all  haste. 
'Would  some  of  your  kind  people  take  him  up, 
And  bear  him  hence  out  of  this  cruel  sun? 
Most  sure  am  I,  quite  sure,  he  is  not  dead.' 

Then  said  Earl  Doorm:  'Well,  if  he  be  not  dead. 
Why  wail  ye  for  him  thus  ?  ye  seem  a  child. 
And  be  he  dead,  I  count  you  for  a  fool ; 
Your  wailing  will  not  quicken  him :  dead  or  not. 
Ye  mar  a  comely  face  with  idiot  tears.  550 

Yet,  since  the  face  is  comely  —  some  of  you, 
Here,  take  him  up,  and  bear  him  to  our  hall : 


106  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  if  he  live,  we  will  have  him  of  our  band^ 
And  if  he  die,  why  earth  has  earth  enough 
To  hide  him.    See  ye  take  the  charger  too, 
A  noble  one.' 

He  spake  and  past  away. 
But  left  two  °brawny  spearmen,  who  advanced, 
Each  growling  like  a  dog,  when  his  good  bone 
Seems  to  be  pluck'd  at  by  the  village  boys 
Who  love  to  vex  him  eating,  and  he  fears  560 

To  lose  his  bone,  and  lays  his  foot  upon  it, 
Gnawing  and  growling:  so  the  ruffians  growl'd, 
Fearing  to  lose,  and  all  for  a  dead  man, 
Their  chance  of  booty  from  the  morning's  raid, 
Yet  raised  and  laid  him  on  a  °litter-bier. 
Such  as  they  brought  upon  their  forays  out 
For  those  that  might  be  wounded;  laid  him  on  it 
All  in  the  hollow  of  his  shield,  and  took 
And  bore  him  to  the  naked  hall  of  Doorm  — 
His  gentle  charger  following  him  unled  —  57<i 

And  cast  him  and  the  bier  in  which  he  lay 
Down  on  an  oaken  °settle  in  the  hall, 
And  then  departed,  hot  in  haste  to  join 
Their  luckier  mates,  but  growling  as  before, 
And  cursing  their  lost  time,  and  the  dead  man. 
And  their  own  earl,  and  their  own  souls,  and  her. 
They  might  as  well  have  blest  her:  she  was  deaf 
To  blessing  or  to  cursing  save  from  one. 

So  for  long  hours  sat  Enid  by  her  lord 
There  in  the  naked  hall,  propping  his  head,  580 

And  chafing  his  pale  hands,  and  calling  to  him, 
Till  at  the  last  he  waken'd  from  his  swoon. 
And  found  his  own  dear  bride  propping  his  head. 
And  chafing  his  faint  hands,  and  calling  to  him; 


GERAINT   AND    ENID  107 

And  felt  the  warm  tears  falling  on  his  face, 
And  said  to  his  own  heart,  '  She  weeps  for  me ; ' 
And  yet  lay  still,  and  feign^l  himself  as  dead, 
That  he  might  prove  her  to  the  uttermost, 
And  say  to  his  own  heart,  'She  weeps  for  me.' 

But  in  the  ^falling  afternoon  return'd  590 

The  huge  Earl  Doorm  with  plunder  to  the  hall. 
His  lusty  spearmen  follow'd  him  with  noise: 
Each  hurling  down  a  heap  of  things  that  rang 
Against  the  pavement,  cast  his  lance  aside, 
^And  °doff'd  his  helm;  and  then  there  flutter'd  in, 
Half-bold,  half-frightened,  with  dilated  eyes, 
A  tribe  of  women,  dress'd  in  many  hues. 
And  mingled  with  the  spearmen;  and  Earl  Doorm 
Struck  with  a  knife's  haft  hard  against  the  board. 
And  call'd  for  flesh  and  wine  to  feed  his  °spears.  600 

And  men  brought  in  whole  hogs  and  quarter  beeves, 
And  all  the  hall  was  dim  with  steam  of  flesh ; 
And  none  spake  word,  but  all  sat  down  at  once. 
And  ate  with  tumult  in  the  °naked  hall, 
Feeding  like  horses  when  you  hear  them  feed; 
Till  Enid  shrank  far  back  into  herself, 
To  shun  the  wild  ways  of  the  lawless  tribe. 
But  when  Earl  Doorm  had  eaten  all  he  would, 
He  roll'd  his  eyes  about  the  hall,  and  found 
A  damsel  drooping  in  a  corner  of  it.  610 

Then  he  remember'd  her,  and  how  she  wept; 
And  out  of  her  there  came  a  power  upon  him; 
And  rising  on  the  sudden  he  said:  'Eat! 
I  never  yet  beheld  a  thing  so  pale. 
God's  curse,  it  makes  me  mad  to  see  you  weep. 
Eat!     Look  yourself.     Good  luck  had  your  good  man. 
For  were  I  dead  who  is  it  would  weep  for  me  ? 
Sweet  lady,  never  since  I  flrst  drew  breath 


108  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Have  I  beheld  a  lily  like  yourself. 

And  so  there  lived  some  color  in  your  cheek,  620 

There  is  not  one  among  my  gentlewomen 

Were  fit  to  wear  your  slipper  for  a  glove. 

But  listen  to  me,  and  by  me  be  ruled, 

And  I  °will  do  the  thing  I  have  not  done, 

For  ye  shall  share  my  earldom  with  me,  girl, 

And  we  will  live  like  two  birds  in  one  nest, 

And  I  will  fetch  you  forage  from  all  fields, 

For  I  compel  all  creatures  to  my  will.' 

He  spoke :  the  brawny  spearman  let  his  cheek 
Bulge  with  the  unswallow'd  piece,  and  turning  stared;  630 
While  some,  whose  souls  the  °old  serpent  long  had  drawn 
Down,  as  the  w^orm  draws  in  the  wither'd  leaf 
And  makes  it  earth,  hiss'd  each  at  other's  ear 
What  shall  not  be  recorded  —  women  they, 
Women,  or  what  had  been  those  gracious  things. 
But  now  desired  the  humbling  of  their  °best. 
Yea,  would  have  helped  him  to  it;  and  all  at  once 
They  hated  her,  who  took  no  thought  of  them. 
But  answer'd  in  low  voice,  her  meek  head  yet 
Drooping,  'I  pray  you  of  your  courtesy,  640 

He  being  as  he  is,  to  let  me  be.' 

She  spake  so  low  he  hardly  heard  her  speak, 
But  like  a  mighty  patron,  satisfied 
With  what  himself  had  done  so  graciously. 
Assumed  that  she  had  thank'd  him,  adding,  'Yea, 
Eat  and  be  glad,  for  I  account  you  mine.' 

She  answer'd  meekly,  'How  should  I  be  glad 
Henceforth  in  all  the  world  at  anything, 
Until  my  lord  arise  and  look  upon  me  ? ' 


GERAINT    AND    ENID  109 

Here  the  huge  earl  cried  out  upon  lier  talk,  650 

As  all  but  empty  heart  and  weariness 
And  sickly  nothing ;  suddenly  seized  on  her, 
And  bare  her  by  main  violence  to  the  board, 
And  thrust  the  dish  before  her,  crying,  '  Eat.' 

'  Xo,  no,'  said  Enid,  vext,  '  I  will  not  eat 
Till  yonder  man  upon  the  bier  arise, 

And  eat  Avith  me.'    '  Drink,  then,'  he  answer'd.    'Here  I ' — 
And  fill'd  a  horn  with  wine  and  held  it  to  her,  — 
'  Lo !  I,  myself,  when  flush'd  with  fight,  or  hot, 
God's  °curse,  with  anger  —  often  I  myself,  660 

Before  I  well  have  drunken,  scarce  can  eat : 
Drink  therefore,  and  the  wine  will  chancre  vour  will.' 


'o^ 


'Not  SO,'  she  cried,  'by  Heaven,  I  will  not  drink 
Till  my  dear  lord  arise  and  bid  me  do  it. 
And  drink  with  me ;  and  if  he  rise  no  more, 
I  will  not  look  at  wine  until  I  die.' 

At  this  he  turn'd  all  red  and  paced  his  hall, 
Now  gnaw'd  his  under,  now  his  upper  lip. 
And  coming  up  close  to  her,  said  at  last : 
'  Girl,  for  I  see  ye  scorn  my  courtesies,  670 

Take  warning:  yonder  man  is  surely  dead; 
And  I  compel  all  creatures  to  my  will. 
Not  eat  nor  drink  ?     And  wdierefore  wail  for  one 
Who  put  your  beauty  to  this  flout  and  scorn 
By  dressing  it  in  rags  ?     Amazed  am  I, 
Beholding  how  ye  butt  against  my  wish. 
That  I  forbear  you  thus:  cross  me  no  more. 
At  least  put  off  to  please  me  this  poor  gown, 
This  silken  rag,  this  beggar-woman's  °weed: 
I  love  that  beauty  should  go  beautifully ;  6S0 

For  see  ye  not  my  gentlewomen  here, 


110  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

How  gay,  how  suited  to  the  house  of  one 
Who  loves  that  beauty  shoukl  go  beautifully  ? 
Eise  therefore  ;  robe  yourself  in  this  :  obey.' 

He  spoke,  and  one  among  his  gentlewomen 
Display'd  a  splendid  silk  of  foreign  loom, 
Where  like  a  °shoaling  sea  the  lovely  blue 
Play'd  into  green,  and  thicker  down  the  front 
With  jewels  than  the  sward  with  drops  of  dew. 
When  all  night  long  a  cloud  clings  to  the  hill,  690 

And  with  the  dawn  ascending  lets  the  day 
Strike  where  it  clung :  so  thickly  shone  the  gems. 

But  Enid  answer'd,  harder  to  be  moved 
Than  hardest  tyrants  in  their  day  of  power, 
With  lifelong  injuries  burning  unavenged. 
And  now  their  hour  has  come  ;  and  Enid  said : 

^  In  this  °poor  gown  my  dear  lord  found  me  first, 
And  loved  me  serving  in  my  father's  hall ; 
In  this  poor  gown  I  rode  with  him  to  court, 
And  there  the  Queen  array'd  me  like  the  sun ;  700 

In  this  poor  gown  he  bade  me  clothe  myself. 
When  now  we  rode  upon  this  fatal  quest 
Of  honor,  where  no  honor  can  be  gain'd ; 
And  this  poor  gown  I  will  not  cast  aside 
Until  himself  arise  a  living  man. 
And  bid  me  cast  it.     I  have  grief  enough  : 
Pray  you  be  gentle,  pray  you  let  me  be : 
I  never  loved,  can  never  love  but  him : 
Yea,  °God,  I  pray  you  of  your  gentleness, 
He  being  as  he  is,  to  let  me  be.'  710 

Then  strode  the  bnite  earl  up  and  down  his  hall, 
And  took  his  russet  beard  between  his  teeth ; 


GERAINT  AND    ENID  111 

Last,  coming  up  quite  close,  and  in  liis  mood 
Crying,  'I  count  it  of  no  more  avail, 
Dame,  to  be  gentle  than  ungentle  with  you; 
Take  my  salute,'  unknightly  with  fiat  hand, 
However  lightly,  smote  her  on  the  ciieek. 

Then  Enid,  in  her  utter  helplessness. 
And  since  slie  thought,  'He  had  not  dared  to  ao  it, 
Except  he  surely  knew^  my  lord  was  dead/  720 

Sent  forth  a  sudden  sharp  and  bitter  cry. 
As  of  a  wild  thing  taken  in  the  trap. 
Which  sees  the  trapper  coming  thro'  the  wood. 

This  heard  Geraint,  and  grasping  at  his  sword,  — 
It  lay  beside  him  in  the  hollow  shield,  — 
Made  but  a  single  bound,  and  with  a  sweep  of  it 
°Shore  thro'  the  swarthy  neck,  and  like  a  ball 
The  russet-bearded  head  roll'd  on  the  floor. 
So  died  Earl  Doorm  by  him  he  counted  dead. 
And  all  the  men  and  women  in  the  hall  733 

Eose  when  they  saw  the  dead  man  rise,  and  fled 
Yelling  as  from  a  spectre,  and  the  two 
Were  left  alone  together,  and  he  said: 

'Enid,  I  have  used  3'ou  worse  than  that  dead  man, 
Done  you  more  wrong :  we  both  have  undergone 
That  trouble  which  has  left  me  thrice  your  own: 
Henceforward  I  will  rather  die  than  doubt. 
And  here  I  lay  this  penance  on  myself, 
Not,  tho'  mine  own  ears  heard  you  yestermorn  — 
You  thought  me  sleeping,  but  1  heard  you  say,  740 

I  heard  you  say,  that  you  were  no  true  wife : 
I  swear  T  will  not  ask  your  meaning  in  it: 
I  do  believe  yourself  against  yourself, 
And  will  henceforward  rather  die  tlian  doubt. 


112  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  Enid  could  not  say  one  tender  word, 
She  felt  so  blunt  and  stupid  at  the  heart: 
She  only  pray'd  him,  'Fly,  they  will  return 
And  slay  you ;  fly,  your  charger  is  without, 
My  palfrey  lost.^     'Then,  Enid,  shall  you  ride 
Behind  me.'     ^Yea,'  said  Enid,  'let  us  go.'  750 

And  moving  out  they  found  the  stately  horse, 
Who  now  no  more  a  vassal  to  the  thief, 
But  free  to  stretch  his  limbs  in  lawful  fight, 
Neigh'd  with  all  gladness  as  they  came,  and  stoop'd 
With  a  low  whinny  toward  the  pair:  and  she 
Kiss'd  the  white  star  upon  his  noble  front, 
Glad  also;  then  Geraint  upon  the  horse 
Mounted,  and  reach' d  a  hand,  and  on  his  foot 
She  set  her  own  and  climb'd;  he  turn'd  his  face 
And  kiss'd  her  climbing,  and  she  cast  her  arms  760 

About  him,  and  at  once  they  rode  away. 

And  never  yet,  since  high  in  Paradise 
O'er  the  °four  rivers  the  first  roses  blew, 
Came  purer  pleasure  unto  mortal  kind 
Than  lived  thro'  her  who  in  that  perilous  hour 
Put  °hand  to  hand  beneath  her  husband's  heart, 
And  felt  him  hers  again :  she  did  not  weep. 
But  o'er  her  meek  ej^es  came  a  happy  mist 
Like  that  which  kept  the  heart  ol;  Eden  green 
Before  the  useful  trouble  of  the  rain :  *^^o 

Yet  not  so  misty  were  her  meek  blue  eyes 
As  not  to  see  before  them  on  the  path. 
Eight  in  the  gateway  of  the  bandit  hold, 
A  knight  of  Arthur's  court,  who  °laid  his  lance 
In  rest  and  made  as  if  to  fall  upon  him. 
Then,  fearing  for  his  hurt  and  loss  of  blood. 
She,  with  her  mind  all  full  of  what  had  chanced, 
Shriek'd  to  the  stranger,  'Slay  not  a  dead  man! ' 


GERAIXT    AND    ENID  113 

'The  voice  of  Enid,'  said  the  knight;  but  she, 

Beholding  it  was  Edyrn,  son  of  Nudd,  780 

Was  moved  so 'much  the  more,  and  shriek'd  again, 

'0  cousin,  slay  not  him  who  °gave  you  life.' 

And  Edyrn  moving  frankly  forward  spake : 

'My  lord  Geraint,  I  greet  you  with  all  love; 

I  took  you  for  a  bandit  kniglit  of  Doorm; 

And  fear  not,  Enid,  I  should  fall  upon  him. 

Who  love  you,  prince,  with  something  of  the  love 

AVherewith  w^e  love  the  Heaven  that  chastens  us. 

For  once,  when  °1  was  up  so  high  in  pride 

That  I  was  halfway  doAvn  the  slope  to  hell,  790 

By  overthrowing  me  you  threw  me  higher. 

Now,  made  a  knight  of  Arthur's  Table  Round, 

And  since  I  knew  this  earl  when  I  myself 

Was  half  a  bandit  in  my  lawless  hour, 

I  come  the  mouthpiece  of  our  King  to  Doorm — 

The  King  is  close  behind  me  —  bidding  him 

Disband  himself,  and  scatter  all  his  powers,    ^ 

Submit,  and  hear  the  judgment  of  the  King.'  ^ 

'He  hears  the  judgment  of  the  King  of  kings,' 
Cried  the  wan  prince;   'and  lo,  the  powers  of  Doorm    Soo 
A.re  scatter'dl '  and  he  pointed  to  the  field, 
Where,  huddled  here  and  there  on  mound  and  knoll, 
AVere  men  and  women  staring  and  aghast. 
While  some  yet  fled;  and  then  he  plainlier  told 
How  the  huge  earl  lay  slain  within  his  hall. 
But  when  the  knight  besought  him,  'Follow  me, 
Prince,  to  the  camp,  and  in  tlie  King's  own  ear 
Speak  what  has  chanced;  ye  surely  have  endured 
Strange  chances  here  alone ; '  °tliat  other  flush'd, 
And  hung  his  head,  and  °halted  in  reply,  Sio 

Fearing  the  mild  face  of  the  blameless  King, 
And  after  madness  acted  question  ask'd: 


114  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Till  Edyru  crying,  'If  ye  will  not  go 

To  Arthur,  then  will  Arthur  come  to  you,' 

'Enough,'  he  said,  'I  follow,'  and  they  went. 

But  Enid  in  their  going  had  two  fears, 

One  from  the  bandit  scatter'd  in  the  field. 

And  one  from  Edyrn.     Every  now  and  then, 

When  Edyrn  rein'd  his  charger  at  her  side, 

She  shrank  a  little.     In  a  hollow  land,  820 

From  which  °old  fires  have  broken,  men  may  fear 

Eresli  fire  and  ruin.     He,  perceiving,  said: 

^Eair  and  dear  cousin,  you  that  most  had  cause 
To  fear  me,  fear  no  longer,  I  am  changed. 
Yourself  were  first  the  blameless  cause  to  make 
My  nature's  °prideful  sparkle  in  the  blood 
Break  into  furious  flame;   being  repulsed 
By  i^niol  and  yourself,  I  schemed  and  wrought 
Until  I  overturn'd  him;  then  set  up  — 
With  one  main  °purpose  ever  at  my  heart  —  830 

My  haughty  jousts,  and  took  a  paramour; 
Did  her  mock-honor  as  the  fairest  fair, 
And,  toppling  over  all  antagonism. 
So  wax'd  in  pride  that  I  believed  myself 
^Unconquerable,  for  I  was  wellnigh  mad: 
And,  but  for  my  main  purpose  in  these  jousts, 
I  should  have  slain  your  father,  seized  yourself. 
I  lived  in  hope  that  sometime  you  would  come 
To  these  my  lists  with  him  whom  best  you  loved. 
And  there,  poor  cousin,  with  your  meek  blue  eyes,       840 
The  truest  eyes  that  °ever  answer'd  Heaven, 
Behold  me  overturn  and  trample  on  him. 
Then,  had  you  cried,  or  knelt,  or  pray'd  to  me, 
I  should  not  less  have  kill'd  him.     And  you  came,  — 
But  once  you  came,  —  and  with  your  own  true  eyes 
Beheld  the  man  you  loved  —  I  speak  as  one 


GERAINT    AND  ENID  115 

Speaks  of  a  service  done  him  —  overthrow 

My  proud  self,  and  my  purpose  three  years  old, 

And  set  his  foot  upon  me,  and  give  me  life. 

There  was  I  broken  down ;  there  was  I  saved :  850 

Tho'  thence  I  rode  all-shamed,  hating  the  life 

He  gave  me,  meaning  to  be  rid  of  it. 

And  all  the  penance  the  Queen  laid  upon  me 

Was  but  to  rest  awhile  within  her  court; 

Where  first  as  sullen  as  a  beast  new-caged. 

And  waiting  to  be  treated  like  a  wolf, 

Because  I  knew  my  deeds  were  known,  I  found, 

Instead  of  scornful  pity  or  pure  scorn. 

Such  fine  reserve  and  noble  reticence, 

Manners  so  kind,  yet  stately,  such  a  grace  860 

Of  tenderest  courtesy,  that  I  began 

To  glance  behind  me  at  my  former  life, 

And  find  that  it  had  been  the  wolfs  indeed : 

And  oft  I  talk'd  with  Dubric,  the  high  saint, 

Who,  with  mild  heat  of  holy  oratory, 

Subdued  me  somewhat  to  that  gentleness 

Which,  when  it  weds  with  manhood,  makes  a  man. 

And  you  were  often  there  about  the  Queen, 

But  saw  me  not,  or  mark'd  not  if  you  saw ; 

Xor  did  I  care  or  dare  to  speak  with  you,  870 

But  kept  myself  aloof  till  I  was  changed ; 

And  fear  not,  cousin ;  I  am  changed  indeed.' 

He  spoke,  and  Enid  easily  believed, 
Like  simple  noble  natures,  credulous 
Of  what  they  long  for,  good  in  friend  or  foe. 
There  most  in  those  who  most  have  done  them  ill. 
And  when  they  reach'd  the  camp  the  King  himself 
Advanced  to  greet  them,  and  beholding  her 
Tho'  pale,  yet  happy,  ask'd  her  not  a  word, 
But  went  apart  with  Edyrn,  whom  he  held  880 


116  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

In  converse  for  a  little,  and  returned, 

And,  gravely  smiling,  lifted  her  from  horse, 

And  kiss'd  her  with  all  pureness,  brother-like, 

And  shoAv'd  an  empty  tent  alloted  her, 

And  glancing  for  a  minute,  till  he  saw  her 

Pass  into  it,  turn'd  to  the  prince,  and  said: 

'Prmce,  when  of  late  ye  pray'd  me  for  my  leave 
To  move  to  your  own  land  arid  there  defend 
Your  marches,  I  was  prick'd  WLtii  some  reproof, 
As  one  that  let  foul  wrong  stagnate  and  be,  89c 

B}'  iiaving  look'd  too  much  thro'  °alien  eyes. 
And  wrought  too  long  with  °delegated  hands, 
Not  used  mine  own :  but  now  behold  me  come 
To  cleanse  this  common  sewer  of  all  m}^  realm, 
AVith  Edyrn  and  with  others :  have  ye  look'd 
At  Edyrn?  have  ye  seen  how  nobly  changed? 
This  work  of  his  is  great  and  wonderful. 
His  very  face  with  change  of  heart  is  changed. 
The  world  will  not  believe  a  man  repents : 
And  this  wise  world  of  ours  is  mainly  right.  900 

Full  seldom  doth  a  man  repent,  or  use 
Both  grace  and  will  to  pick  the  °vicious  quitch 
Of  blood  and  custom  wholly  out  of  him, 
And  make  all  clean,  and  plant  himself  afresh. 
Edyrn  has  done  it,  weeding  all  his  heart 
As  I  will  weed  this  land  before  I  go. 
I,  therefore,  made  him  of  our  Table  Kound, 
Not  rashly,  but  have  proved  him  every  way 
One  of  our  noblest,  our  most  valorous. 
Sanest  and  most  obedient :  and  indeed  910 

This  work  of  Edyrn,  wrought  upon  himself 
After  a  life  of  violence,  seems  to  me 
A  thousand-fold  more  great  and  wonderful 
Than  if  some  knight  of  mine,  ^risking  his  life, 


GERAIXT    A  XL    EX  ID  11 T 

My  subject  with  my  subjects  under  him, 
Should  make  an  onslaught  single  on  a  realm 
Of  robbers,  tho*  he  slew  them  one  by  one, 
And  were  himself  nigh  wounded  to  the  death.' 

So  spake  the  King;  low  bow'd  the  prince,  and  felt 
His  work  was  neither  great  nor  wonderful,  920 

And  past  to  Enid's  tent;  and  thither  came 
The  King's  own  °leech  to  look  into  his  hurt; 
And  Enid  tended  on  him  there;  and  there 
Her  constant  motion  round  him,  and  the  breath 
Of  her  sweet  tendance  hovering  over  him, 
Fill'd  all  the  °genial  courses  of  his  blood 
With  deeper  and  with  ever  deeper  love, 
As  the  Southwest  that  blowing  °Bala  lake 
Fills  all  the  sacred  Dee.     So  past  the  days. 

But  while  Geraint  lay  healing  of  his  hurt,  930 

The  blameless  King  went  forth  and  cast  his  eyes 
On  each  of  all  whom  Uther  left  in  charge 
Long  since,  to  °guard  the  justice  of  the  King; 
He  look'd  and  found  them  wanting;  and  as  now 
Men  weed  the  °White  Horse  on  the  Berkshire  hills. 
To  keep  him  bright  and  clean  as  heretofore, 
He  rooted  out  the  slothful  officer 
Or  guilty,  which  for  bribe  had  °wink'd  at  wrong, 
And  in  their  chairs  set  up  a  stronger  race 
With  °hearts  and  hands,  and  sent  a  thousand  men         940 
To  till  the  Avastes,  and  moving  everywhere 
Clear'd  the  °dark  places  and  let  in  the  law, 
And  broke  the  bandit  holds  and  cleansed  the  land. 

Then,  when  Geraint  was  whole  again,  they  past 
With  Arthur  to  Caerleon  upon  Usk. 
There  the  great  Queen  once  more  embraced  her  friend, 


118  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  clothed  her  in  apparel  like  the  day. 

And  tho'  Geraint  could  never  take  again 

That  comfort  from  tlieir  converse  which  he  took 

Before  the  Queen's  fair  name  was  °breathed  upon,        950 

He  rested  well  content  that  all  was  well. 

Thence  after  tarrying  for  a  space  they  rode, 

°And  fifty  knights,  rode  with  them  to  the  shores 

Of  Severn,  and  they  past  to  their  own  land. 

And  there  he  kept  the  justice  of  the  King 

So  vigorously  yet  mildly  that  all  hearts 

Applauded,  and  the  °spitef ul  whisper  died : 

And  being  ever  foremost  in  the  chase. 

And  victor  at  the  tilt  and  tournament. 

They  call'd  him  the  great  prince  and  man  of  men.        960 

But  Enid,  whom  her  ladies  loved  to  call 

Enid  the  Fair,  a  grateful  people  named 

Enid  the  Good;  and  in  their  halls  arose 

The  cry  of  children,  Enids  and  Geraints 

Of  times  to  be ;  nor  did  he  doubt  her  more, 

But  rested  in  her  fealty  till  he  crown'd 

A  happy  life  with  a  fair  death,  and  fell 

Against  the  °heathen  of  the  Northern  Sea 

In  battle,  fighting  for  the  blameless  King. 


LANCELOT   AND   ELAINE 

Elaine  the  fair,  Elaine  the  lovable, 
Elaine,  the  lily  maid  of  °Astolat, 
High  in  her  chamber  up  a  tower  to  the  east 
Guarded  the  °sacred  shield  of  Lancelot; 
Which  first  she  placed  where  morning's  earliest  Tixy 
Might  strike  it,  and  awake  her  with  the  gleam; 
Then  fearing  rust  or  °soilure  fashion'd  for  it 
A  case  of  silk,  and  °braided  thereupon 
All  the  devices  blazon'd  on  the  shield 
In  their  own  °tinct,  and  added,  of  her  °wit, 
A  °border  fantasy  of  branch  and  flower. 
And  yellow-throated  nestling  in  her  nest. 
Nor  rested  thus  content,  but  day  by  day, 
Leaving  her  household  and  good  father,  climb'd 
That  eastern  tower,  and  entering  barr'd  her  door, 
Stript  oft'  the  case,  and  °read  tlie  naked  shield, 
Now  guess'd  a  hidden  meaning  in  his  arms, 
Now  made  a  pretty  history  to  herself 
Of  every  dint  a  sword  had  beaten  in  it, 
And  every  scratch  a  lance  had  made  upon  it, 
Conjecturing  when  and  where:  this  cut  is  fresh; 
That  ten  years  back;  this  dealt  him  at  °Caerlyle; 
That  at  °Caerleon;  this  at  Camelot: 
And  ah,  °God's  mercy,  Avhat  a  stroke  was  there! 
And  here  a  thrust  that  might  have  kill'd,  but  God 
Broke  the  strong  lance,  and  roll'd  °his  enemy  down, 
And  saved  him:  so  she  °lived  in  fantasy. 

119 


120  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

How  came  the  lily  maid  by  that  good  shield 
Of  Lancelot,  she  that  knew  not  even  his  name? 
He  left  it  with  her,  when  he  rode  to  tilt  30 

For  the  great  diamond  in  the  diamond  jousts, 
Which  Arthur  had  ordain'd,  and  by  that  name 
Had  named  them,  since  a  diamond  was  the  prize. 

For  Arthur,  long  before  they  crown'd  him  king, 
Koving  the  trackless  realms  of  °Lyonnesse, 
Had  found  a  glen,  gray  boulder  and  black  °tarn 
A  horror  lived  about  the  tarn,  and  clave 
Like  its  own  mists  to  all  the  mountain  side : 
For  here  two  brothers,  one  a  king,  had  met 
And  fought  together;  but  their  names  were  lost;  40 

And  each  had  slain  his  brother  at  a  blow; 
And  down  they  fell  and  made  the  glen  adhorr'd: 
And  there  they  lay  till  all  their  bones  were  bleach'd. 
And  lichen'd  into  color  with  the  crags: 
And  he  that  once  was  king  had  on  a  crown 
Of  diamonds,  one  in  front  and  °four  aside. 
And  Arthur  came,  and  laboring  up  the  pass. 
All  in  a  misty  moonshine,  unawares 
Had  trodden  that  crown'd  skeleton,  and  the  skull 
Brake  from  the  °nape,  and  from  the  skull  the  crown      50 
Eoll'd  into  light,  and  turning  on  its  rims 
Fled  like  a  glittering  rivulet  to  the  tarn : 
And  down  the  °shingly  scaur  he  plunged,  and  caught, 
And  set  it  on  his  head,  and  in  his  heart 
Heard  murmurs,  'Lo,  thou  likewise  shalt  be  king.' 

Thereafter,  wlien  a  king,  he  had  the  gems 
Pluck'd  from  the  crown,  and  show'd  them  to  his  knights 
Saying:  'These  °jewels,  whereupon  I  chanced 
Divinely,  are  the  kingdom's,  not  the  King's  — 
For  public  use :  henceforward  let  there  be,  60 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  121 

Once  every  year,  a  joust  for  one  of  these : 
For  so  by  nine  years'  proof  we  needs  must  learn 
Which  is  our  mightiest,  and  ourselves  shall  grow- 
In  use  of  arms  and  manhood,  till  we  drive 
The  heathen,  who,  some  say,  shall  rule  the  land 
Hereafter,  which  God  hinder  I '     Thus  he  spoke: 
And  eight  3'ears  past,  eight  jousts  had  been,  and  °still 
Had  Lancelot  won  the  diamond  of  the  year, 
With  purpose  to  present  them  to  the  Queen 
When  all  were  won;  but,  meaning  all  at  once  70 

To  snare  her  royal  fancy  with  a  boon 
Worth  half  her  realm,  had  never  spoken  word. 

Xow  for  the  central  diamond  and  the  last 
And  largest,  Arthur,  holding  then  his  court 
Hard  on  the  river  nigh  the  °place  which  now 
Is  this  world's  hugest,  let  proclaim  a  joust 
At  Camelot,  and  when  the  time  drew  nigh 
Spake  —  for  she  had  been  sick  —  to  Guinevere: 
'Are  you  so  sick,  my  Queen,  you  cannot  move 
To  these  fair  jousts?'  'Yea,  lord, 'she  said, 'ye  know  it.'  80 
'Then  will  3'e  miss,'  he  answer'd,  'the  great  deeds- 
Of  Lancelot,  and  his  prowess  in  the  lists, 
A  sight  ye  love  to  look  on.'     And  the  Queen 
Lifted  her  eyes,  and  they  dwelt  languidly 
On  Lancelot,  where  he  stood  beside  the  King. 
He,  thinking  that  he  read  her  meaning  there, 
'Stay  with  me,  I  am  sick;  my  love  is  more 
Than  many  diamonds,'  yielded;  and  a  heart 
Love-loyal  to  the  least  wish  of  the  Queen  — 
However  much  he  j^earn'd  to  make  complete  90 

The  °tale  of  diamonds  for  his  destined  boon  — 
Urged  him  to  speak  against  the  truth,  and  say, 
'Sir  King,  mine  ancient  wound  is  hardly  whole, 
And  °lets  me  from  the  saddle ; '  and  the  King 


122  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Glanced  first  at  him,  then  her,  and  went  his  way. 
No  sooner  gone  than  suddenly  she  began : 

'To  blame,  my  lord  Sir  Lancelot,  much  to  blame! 
Why  go  ye  not  to  these  fair  jousts?  the  knights 
Are  half  of  them  our  enemies,  and  the  crowd 
Will  murmur,  "  Lo  the  shameless  ones,  who  take 
Their  pastime  now  the  trustful  King  is  gone!"  ' 
Then  Lancelot,  vext  at  having  lied  in  vain : 
^Are  ye  so  wise?  ye  were  not  once  so  wise. 
My  Queen,  that  summer  when  ye  loved  me  first. 
Then  of  the  crowd  ye  took  no  more  account 
Than  of  the  myriad  °cricket  of  the  mead, 
When  its  own  voice  clings  to  each  blade  of  grass, 
And  every  voice  is  nothing.     As  to  knights. 
Them  surely  can  I  silence  with  all  ease. 
But  now  my  loyal  worship  is  °allow'd 
Of  all  men :  many  a  bard,  without  offence, 
Has  link'd  our  names  together  in  his  lay, 
Lancelot,  the  flower  of  bravery,  Guinevere, 
The  pearl  of  beauty;  and  our  knights  at  feast 
Have  pledged  us  in  this  union,  while  the  King 
Would  listen  smiling.     How  then?  is  there  more? 
Has  Arthur  spoken  aught?  or  would  yourself, 
Now  weary  of  my  service  and  devoir, 
Henceforth  be  truer  to  your  faultless  lord? ' 

She  broke  into  a  little  scornful  laugh : 
'Arthur,  my  lord,  Arthur,  the  faultless  King, 
That  passionate  perfection,  my  good  lord  — 
But  who  can  gaze  upon  the  sun  in  heaven? 
He  never  spake  word  of  reproach  to  me, 
He  never  had  a  glimpse  of  mine  °untruth. 
He  cares  not  for  me :  only  here  to-day 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  123 

There  gleamed  a  vague  suspicion  in  his  eyes : 

Some  meddling  rogue  has  °tamper'd  with  liim  —  else 

Rapt  in  this  fancy  of  his  Table  Eound, 

And  swearing  men  to  vows  impossible,  130 

To  make  them  like  himself;  but,  friend,  to  me 

He  is  all  °fault  who  hath  no  fault  at  all : 

For  wdio  loves  me  must  have  a  touch  of  earth ; 

The  low  sun  makes  the  color :  I  am  yours, 

Nor  Arthur's,  as  ye  know,  save  by  the  bond. 

And  therefore  hear  my  w^ords :  go  to  the  jousts : 

The  tiny-trumpeting  gnat  can  break  our  dream 

When  sweetest;  and  the  °vermin  voices  here 

May  buzz  so  loud  —  we  scorn  them,  but  they  sting/ 

Then  answer'd  Lancelot,  the  chief  of  knights:  140 

'And  with  what  face,  after  my  pretext  made. 
Shall  I  appear,  0  Queen,  at  Camelot,  I 
Before  a  king  who  honors  his  owu  word 
As  if  it  w^ere  his  God's? ' 


'Yea,'  said  the  Queen, 
'A  moral  child  without  the  craft  to  rule. 
Else  had  he  not  lost  me:  but  listen  to  me. 
If  I  must  find  you  wit :  Ave  hear  it  said 
That  men  go  down  before  your  spear  at  a  touch, 
But  knowing  you  are  Lancelot;  your  great  name, 
This  conquers:  hide  it  therefore;  go  unknown:  150 

Win!  by  this  kiss  you  will:  and  our  true  King 
Will  then  allow  your  pretext,  0  my  knight, 
As  all  for  glory ;  for  to  speak  him  true, 
Ye  know  right  well,  how  meek  soe'er  he  seem, 
No  keener  hunter  after  glory  breathes. 
He  loves  it  in  his  knights  more  than  himself; 
They  °prove  to  him  his  work:  win  and  return.' 


124  IDYLLS    CF    THE    KING 

Then  got  Sir  Lancelot  suddenly  to  liorse, 
Wroth  at  himself.     ISTot  willing  to  be  known, 
He  left  the  °barren-beaten  thoroughfare,  i6o 

Chose  the  green  path  that  show'd  the  rarer  foot^ 
And  there  among  the  solitary  downs. 
Full  often  °lost  in  fancy,  lost  his  way; 
Till  as  he  traced  a  faintly-shadow'd  track, 
That  all  in  loops  and  links  among  the  dales 
Ean  to  the  Castle  of  Astolat,  he  saw 
Fired  from  the  west,  far  on  a  hill,  the  towers. 
Thither  he  made,  and  blew  the  gateway  horn. 
Then  came  an  old,  dumb,  myriad-wrinkled  man, 
Who  let  him  into  lodging  and  disarm'd.  170 

And  Lancelot  marvell'd  at  the  wordless  man; 
And  issuing  found  the  Lord  of  Astolat 
With  two  strong  sons,  Sir  Torre  and  Sir  Lavaine, 
Moving  to  meet  him  in  the  castle  court; 
And  close  behind  them  stept  the  lily  maid 
Elaine,  his  daughter :  mother  of  the  house 
There  was  not.     Some  light  jest  among  them  rose 
With  laughter  dying  down  as  the  great  knight 
ApproachM  them;  then  the  Lord  of  Astolat: 
*  Whence  comest  thou  my  guest,  and  by  what  name       180 
Livest  between  the  lips?  for  by  thy  state 
And  presence  I  might  guess  thee  chief  of  those. 
After  the  King,  who  eat  in  Arthur's  halls. 
Him  have  I  seen:  the  rest,  his  Table  Round, 
Known  as  they  are,  to  me  they  are  unknown. ' 

Then  answer'd  Lancelot,  the  chief  of  knights: 
^Known  am  I,  and  of  Arthur's  hall,  and  known. 
What  I  by  mere  mischance  have  brought,  my  shield. 
But  since  I  go  to  joust  as  one  unknown 
At  Camelot  for  the  diamond,  ask  me  not;  190 

Hereafter  ye  shall  know  me  —  and  the  shield  — 


LANCELOT   AXD     ELAINE  125 

I  pray  you  lend  me  one,  if  such  you  have, 
Bhxnk,  or  at  least  with  some  device  not  mine.' 

Then  said  the  Lord  of  Astolat:  'Here  is  Torre's; 
Hurt  in  his  first  tilt  was  my  son.  Sir  Torre ; 
And  so,  God  wot,  his  shield  is  blank  enough. 
His  ye  can  have.'     Then  added  2)lain  Sir  Torre, 
'Yea,  since  I  cannot  use  it,  ye  may  have  it.' 
Here  laugh'd  the  father  saying:  'Fie,  Sir  Churl, 
Is  that  an  answer  for  a  noble  knight?  200 

Allow  him!  but  Lavaine,  my  younger  here. 
He  is  so  full  of  lustihood,  he  will  ride, 
Joust  for  it,  and  win,  and  bring  it  in  an  hour. 
And  set  it  in  this  damsel's  golden  hair. 
To  make  her  thrice  as  wilful  as  before.' 

'Xay,  father,  nay,  good  father,  shame  me  not 
Before  this  noble  knight,'  said  young  Lavaine, 
'For  nothing.     Surely  I  but  play'd  on  Torre: 
He  seem'd  so  sullen,  vext  he  could  not  go: 
A  jest,  no  more !  for,  knight,  the  maiden  dreamt  210 

That  some  one  put  this  diamond  in  her  hand, 
And  that  it  was  too  slippery  to  be  held, 
And  slipt  and  fell  into  some  pool  or  stream. 
The  castle-well,  belike;  and  then  I  said 
That  ifl  went  and  (/'I  fought  and  won  it  — 
But  all  was  jest  and  joke  among  ourselves  — 
Then  must  she  keep  it  safelier.     All  was  jest. 
But,  father,  give  me  leave,  and  if  he  will, 
To  ride  to  Camelot  with  this  noble  knight: 
Win  shall  I  not,  but  do  my  best  to  win ;  220 

Young  as  I  am,  yet  would  I  do  my  best.'  (^^ . 

'So  ye  will  grace  me,'  answer'd  Lancelot, 
Smiling  a  moment,  'with  your  fellowship 


126  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

O'er  these  waste  downs  whereon  I  lost  myself, 

Then  were  I  glad  of  you  as  guide  and  friend : 

And  you  shall  win  this  diamond,  — as  I  hear. 

It  is  a  fair  large  diamond,  — if  ye  may, 

And  yield  it  to  this  maiden,  if  ye  will.' 

*A  fair  large  diamond,'  added  plain  Sir  Torre, 

'Such  be  for  queens,  and  not  for  simple  maids.'  230 

Then  she,  who  held  her  eyes  upon  the  ground, 

Elaine,  and  heard  her  name  so  tost  about, 

Flush'd  slightly  at  the  slight  disparagement 

Before  the  stranger  knight,  who,  looking  at  her, 

Full  °courtly,  yet  not  falsely,  thus  return'd: 

'If  what  is  fair  be  but  for  what  is  fair. 

And  only  queens  are  to  be  counted  so, 

Kash  were  my  judgment  then,  who  deem  this  maid 

Might  wear  as  fair  a  jewel  as  is  on  earth, 

Not  violating  the  bond  of  °like  to  like.'  240 

He  spoke  and  ceased:  the  lily  maid  Elaine, 
Won  by  the  mellow  voice  before  she  look'd. 
Lifted  her  eyes  and  read  his  lineaments. 
The  great  and  guilty  love  he  bare  the  Queen, 
In  battle  with  the  love  he  bare  his  lord, 
Had  marr'd  his  face,  and  mark'd  it  ere  his  time. 
Another  sinning  on  such  heights  with  one, 
The  flower  of  all  the  west  and  all  the  world, 
Had  been  the  sleeker  for  it ;  but  in  him 
His  mood  was  often  like  a  fiend,  and  rose  250 

And  drove  him  into  wastes  and  solitudes 
For  agony,  who  was  yet  a  "living  soul. 
Marr'd  as  he  was,  he  seem'd  the  "goodliest  man 
That  ever  among  ladies  ate  in  hall. 
And  noblest,  when  she  lifted  up  her  eyes. 
However  marr'd,  of  more  than  twice  her  years, 
Seam'd  with  an  ancient  sword-cut  on  the  °cheek, 


LANCELOT    AND    ELAINK  127 

And  bruised  and  bronzed,  she  lifted  up  her  eyes 
And  loved  him,  with  that  love  which  was  her  doom. 

Then  the  great  knight,  the  darling  of  the  court,         26c 
Loved  of  the  loveliest,  into  that  rude  hall 
Stept  with  all  grace,  and  not  with  half  disdain 
Hid  under  grace,  as  in  a  smaller  time, 
But  kindly  man  moving  among  his  kind: 
Whom  they  with  meats  and  vintage  of  their  best 
And  talk  and  minstrel  melody  entertain'd. 
And  much  they  ask'd  of  court  and  Table  Hound, 
And  ever  well  and  readily  answer'd  he; 
But  Lancelot,  when  they  °glanced  at  Guinevere, 
Suddenly  °speaking  of  the  wordless  man,  avc 

Heard  from  the  baron  that,  ten  years  before, 
The  heathen  caught  and  reft  him  of  his  tongue. 
'He  learnt  and  warnM  me  of  tlieir  fierce  design 
Against  my  house,  and  him  they  caught  and  maim'd; 
But  I,  my  sons,  and  little  daughter  fled 
From  bonds  or  death,  and  dwelt  among  the  woods 
By  the  great  river  in  a  boatman's  hut. 
Dull  days  were  those,  tiU  our  good  Arthur  broke 
The  Pagan  yet  once  more  on  °Badon  hill.' 

*0 there,  great  lord,  doubtless,'  Lavaine said,  °rapt     20c 
By  all  the  sweet  and  sudden  passion  of  youth 
Toward  greatness  in  its  elder,  'you  have  fought. 
0,  tell  us  —  for  we  live  apart  —  you  know 
Of  Arthur's  glorious  wars.'     And  Lancelot  spoke 
And  answer'd  him  at  full,  as  having  been 
With  Arthur  in  the  tight  which  all  day  long 
Rang  by  the  white  mouth  of  the  violent  Glemj 
And  in  the  four  loud  battles  by  the  shore 
Of  Duglas;  that  on  Bassa;  tlien  the  war 
That  tliunder'd  in  and  out  the  gloomy  skirts  290 


128  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Of  Celidon  the  forest;  and  again 

By  Castle  Gurnion,  where  the  glorious  King 

Had  on  his  °cuirassworn  our  Lady's  Head, 

Carved  of  one  emerald  centred  in  a  sun 

Of  silver  ra3'S,  that  °lighten'd  as  he  breathed; 

And  at  Caerleon  had  he  helped  his  lord, 

When  the  strong  neighings  of  the  wild  °White  Horse 

Set  every  gilded  parapet  shuddering ; 

And  up  in  Agned-Cathregonion  too, 

And  down  the  waste  sand-shores  of  Trath  Treroit,        300 

Where  many  a  heathen  fell;  'and  on  the  mount 

Of  Badon  I  myself  beheld  the  King 

Charge  at  the  head  of  all  his  Table  Bound, 

And  all  his  legion  crying  Christ  and  him, 

And  brake  them;  and  I  saw  him,  after,  stand 

High  on  a  heap  of  slain,  from  spur  to  plume 

Bed  as  the  rising  sun  with  heathen  blood, 

And  seeing  me,  with  a  great  voice  he  cried, 

"They  are  broken,  they  are  broken!  "  for  the  King, 

However  mild  he  seems  at  home,  nor  cares  310 

For  triumph  in  our  mimic  wars,  the  jousts  — 

For  if  his  own  knight  cast  him  down,  he  laughs. 

Saying  his  knights  are  better  men  than  he  — 

Yet  in  this  heathen  war  the  °fire  of  God 

Bills  him:  I  never  saw  his  like;  there  lives 

Ko  greater  leader.' 

While  he  utter'd  this, 
Low  to  her  own  heart  said  the  lily  maid, 
'  Save  your  great  self,  fair  lord ; '  and  when  he  fell 
From  talk  of  war  to  traits  of  pleasantry  — 
Being  mirthful  he,  but  in  a  stately  kind —  320 

She  still  took  note  that  when  the  living  smile    * 
Died  from  his  lips,  across  him  came  a  cloud 
Of  melancholy  severe,  from  which  again, 


LANCELOT   AXD    ELAINE  129 

Whenever  in  her  hovering  to  and  fro 

The  lily  maid  had  striven  to  make  him  cheer, 

There  brake  a  sudden-beaming  tenderness 

Of  manners  and  of  nature :  and  she  thought 

That  all  was  nature,  all,  })erchance,  for  her. 

And  all  night  long  his  face  before  her  lived, 

As  when  a  °painter,  poring  on  a  face,  330 

Divinely  thro'  all  hindrance  finds  the  man 

Behind  it,  and  so  paints  him  that  his  face, 

The  shape  and  color  of  a  mind  and  life. 

Lives  for  his  children,  ever  at  its  best 

And  fullest;  so  the  face  before  her  lived, 

Dark-splendid,  speaking  in  the  silence,  full 

Of  noble  things,  and  held  her  from  her  sleep. 

Till  °rathe  she  rose,  half -cheated  in  the  thought 

She  needs  must  bid  farewell  to  sweet  Lavaine. 

First  as  in  fear,  step  after  step,  she  stole  340 

Down  the  long  tower-stairs,  hesitating: 

°Anon,  she  heard  Sir  Lancelot  cry  in  the  court, 

'This  shield,  my  friend,  where  is  it?'  and  Lavaine 

Past  inward,  as  she  came  from  out  the  tower. 

There  to  his  proud  horse  Lancelot  turn'd,  and  smoothed 

The  glossy  shoulder,  humming  to  himself. 

Half-envious  of  the  flattering  hand,  she  drew 

Xearer  and  stood.     He  look'd,  and,  more  amazed 

Than  if  seven  men  had  set  upon  him,  saw 

The  maiden  standing  in  the  dewv  light.  350 

He  had  not  dream'd  she  was  so  beautiful. 

Then  came  on  him  a  sort  of  sacred  fear. 

For  silent,  tho'  he  greeted  her,  she  stood 

Eapt  on  his  face  as  if  it  were  a  god's. 

Suddenly  flash 'd  on  her  a  wild  desire 

That  he  should  wear  her  favor  at  the  tilt. 

She  "braved  a  riotous  heart  in  asking  for  it. 

*Fair  lord,  whose  name  I  know  not  —  noble  it  is 


130  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

I  well  believe,  tlie  noblest  —  will  you  wear 

My  favor  at  this  tourney?  '     '^ay/  said  he,  360 

'Fair  lady,  since  I  never  yet  have  worn 

Favor  of  any  lady  in  the  lists. 

Such  is  my  wont,  as  those  who  know  me  know.' 

'Yea,  so,'  she  answer'd;  'then  in  wearing  mine 

Needs  must  be  lesser  likelihood,  noble  lord, 

That  those  who  know  should  know  you.'    And  he  turn'd 

Her  counsel  up  and  down  within  his  mind, 

And  found  it  true,  and  answer'd:  'True,  my  child. 

Well,  I  will  wear  it :  fetch  it  out  to  me : 

What  is  it?  '  and  she  told  him,  'A  red  sleeve  370 

Broider'd  with  pearls,'  and  brought  it:  then  he  bound 

Her  token  on  his  helmet,  with  a  smile 

Saying,  'I  never  yet  have  done  so  much 

For  any  maiden  living,'  and  the  blood 

Sprang  to  her  face  and  fill'd  her  with  delight; 

But  left  her  all  the  paler  when  Lavaine 

Keturning  brought  the  yet  un-blazon'd  shield. 

His  brother's;  which  he  gave  to  Lancelot, 

Who  parted  with  his  own  to  fair  Elaine: 

'Do  me  this  grace,  my  child,  to  have  my  shield  380 

In  keeping  till  I  come.'     'A  grace  to  me,' 

She  answer'd,  'twice  to-day.     I  am  your  squire! ' 

Whereat  Lavaine  said  laughingly:  'Lily  maid, 

For  fear  our  people  call  you  lily  maid 

In  earnest,  let  me  bring  your  color  back; 

Once,  twice,  and  thrice :  now  get  you  hence  to  bed : 

So  kiss'd  her,  and  Sir  Lancelot  his  own  hand. 

And  thus  they  moved  away :  she  staid  a  minute. 

Then  made  a  sudden  step  to  the  gate,  and  there  — 

Her  bright  hair  blown  about  the  serious  face  390 

Yet  rosy-kindled  with  her  brother's  kiss  — 

Paused  by  the  gateway,  standing  near  the  shield 

In  silence,  while  she  watch' d  their  arms  far-off 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  131 

Sparkle,  until  they  dipt  below  tlie  downs. 

Then  to  her  tower  slie  climb'd,  and  took  the  shield, 

There  kept  it,  and  so  lived  in  fantasy. 


Meanwhile  tlie  new  companions  past  away 
"Far  o'er  the  long  backs  of  the  bushless  downs, 
To  where  Sir  Lancelot  knew  there  lived  a  knight 
Not  far  from  Camelot,  now  for  forty  years  400 

A  hermit,  who  had  pray'd,  labor'd  and  pray'd, 
And  ever  laboring  had  scoop'd  himself 
In  the  white  rock  a  chapel  and  a  hall 
Of  massive  columns,  like  a  shore-cliff  cave. 
And  cells  and  chambers:  all  were  fair  and  dry; 
The  green  light  from  the  meadows  underneath 
Struck  up  and  °lived  along  the  milky  roofs; 
And  in  the  meadows  tremulous  aspen-trees 
And  poplars  made  a  noise  of  falling  showers. 
And  thither  wending  there  that  night  they  bode.  410 

But  when  the  next  day  broke  from  underground, 
And  shot  red  fire  and  shadows  thro'  the  cave 
They  rose,  heard  mass,  broke  fast,  and  rode  away. 
Then  Lancelot  saying,  'Hear,  but  hold  my  name 
Hidden,  you  ride  with  Lancelot  of  the  Lake,' 
Abash'd  Lavaine,  whose  instant  reverence, 
Dearer  to  true  young  hearts  than  their  own  praise, 
But  left  him  leave  to  stammer,  Hs  it  indeed? ' 
And  after  muttering,  'The  great  Lancelot,' 
At  last  he  got  his  breath  and  answer'd:  'One,  420 

One  have  I  seen  —  that  other,  our  liege  lord. 
The  dread  °Pendragon,  Britain's  King  of  kings, 
Of  whom  the  people  talk  "mysteriously, 
He  will  be  there  —  then  were  I  °stricken  blind 
That  minute,  I  might  say  that  I  had  seen.' 


132  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

So  spake  Lavaine,  and  when  they  reach'd  the  lists 
By  Camelot  in  the  meadow,  let  his  eyes 
Run  thro'  the  peopled  gallery  wdiich  half  round 
Lay  like  a  rainbow  fallen  upon  the  °grass, 
Until  they  found  the  °clear-faced  King,  who  sat  430 

Robed  in  °red  samite,  easily  to  be  known, 
Since  to  his  crown  the  golden  dragon  clung, 
And  down  his  robe  the  dragon  writhed  in  gold, 
And  from  the  carven-work  behind  him  crept 
Two  dragons  gilded,  sloping  down  to  make 
Arms  for  his  chair,  wdiile  all  the  rest  of  them 
Thro'  knots  and  loops  and  folds  innumerable 
Fled  ever  thro'  the  woodwork,  till  they  found 
The  new  design  wherein  tliey  lost  themselves, 
Yet  with  all  °ease,  so  tender  was  the  work :  440 

And,  in  the  costly  °canopy  o'er  him  set, 
Blazed  the  last  diamond  of  the  °nameless  king. 

Then  Lancelot  answer'd  3^oung  Lavaine  and  said: 
*Me  you  call  great:  mine  is  the  firmer  seat, 
The  truer  lance:  but  there  is  many  a  youth 
Now  crescent,  who  will  come  to  all  I  am 
And  overcome  it;  and  in  me  there  dwells 
No  greatness,  save  it  be  some  far-off  touch 
Of  greatness  to  know  well  I  am  not  great : 
There  is  the  man.'     And  Lavaine  gaped  upon  him        450 
As  on  a  thing  miraculous,  and  anon 
The  trumpets  blew;  and  then  did  either  side 
They  that  assail 'd,  and  they  that  °held  the  lists, 
Set  lance  in  rest,  strike  spur,  suddenly  move, 
Meet  in  the  midst,  and  there  so  furiously 
Shock  that  a  man  afar-off  might  well  perceive, 
If  any  man  that  day  were  left  afield. 
The  hard  earth  shake,  and  a  low  thunder  of  arms. 
And  Lancelot  bode  a  little,  till  he  saw 


LANCELOT   AXD    ELAINE  133 

Which  were  the  weaker;  then  he  hurl'd  into  it  460 

Against  the  stronger:  little  need  to  speak 
Of  Lancelot  in  his  glory !     King,  duke,  earl, 
Count,  baron  —  whom  he  smote,  he  overthrew. 

But  in  the  field  were  Lancelot's  kith  and  kin, 
Ranged  with  the  Table  Kound  that  held  tlie  lists. 
Strong  men,  and  wrathful  that  a  stranger  knight 
Should  do  and  almost  overdo  the  deeds 
Of  Lancelot;  and  one  said  to  the  other,  'Lo! 
What  is  he?     I  do  not  mean  the  force  alone  — 
The  grace  and  versatility  of  the  man !  470 

Is  it  not  Lancelot?^    'When  has  Lancelot  worn 
Favor  of  any  lady  in  the  lists? 
Not  such  his  wont,  as  we  that  know  him  know.' 
'How  then?  who  then?'  a  fury  seized  them  all, 
A  fiery  family  passion  for  the  name 
Of  Lancelot,  and  a  glory  one  with  theirs. 
They  couch'd  their  spears  and  prick'd  their  steeds,  and 

thus, 
Their  plumes  driven  backward  by  the  wind  they  made 
In  moving,  all  together  down  upon  him 
°Bare,  as  a  wild  wave  in  the  wide  North  Sea,  480 

Green-glimmering  toward  the  summit,  bears,  with  all 
Its  stormy  crests  that  smoke  against  the  skies, 
Down  on  a  bark,  and  overbears  the  bark 
And  him  that  helms  it;  so  they  overbore 
Sir  Lancelot  and  his  charger,  and  a  spear 
Down-glancing  lamed  the  charger,  and  a  spear 
Prick'd  sharply  his  own  cuirass,  and  the  head 
Pierced  thro'  his  side,  and  there  snapt  and  remain'd. 

Then  Sir  Lavaine  did  well  and  worshipfully : 
He  bore  a  knight  of  old  repute  to  the  earth,  490 

And  brought  his  horse  to  Lancelot  where  he  lay. 


134  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

He  up  the  side,  sweating  with  agony,  got, 

But  thought  to  do  while  he  might  yet  endure, 

And  being  lustily  holpen  by  the  rest, 

His  party,  — tho^  it  seem'd  half-miracle 

To  those  he  fought  with,  — drave  his  kith  and  ^m, 

And  all  the  Table  Eound  that  held  the  lists, 

Back  to  the  barrier;  then  the  "trumpets  blew 

Proclaiming  his  the  prize  who  wore  the  sleeve 

Of  scarlet  and  the  pearls;  and  all  the  knights,  500 

His  party,  cried,  'Advance  and  take  thy  prize 

The  diamond;  '  but  he  answer'd:  'Diamond  me 

No  diamonds!  for  God's  love,  a  little  air! 

Prize  me  no  prizes,  for  my  prize  is  death! 

Hence  will  I,  and  I  charge  you,  follow  me  not.' 

He  spoke,  and  vanished  suddenly  from  the  field 
With  young  Lavaine  into  the  poplar  grove. 
There  from  his  charger  down  he  slid,  and  sat, 
Gasping  to  Sii  Lavaine,  'Draw  the  lance-head.' 
'Ah,  my  sweet  lord  Sir  Lancelot,'  said  Lavaine,  510 

'I  dread  me,  if  I  draw  it,  you  will  die.' 
But  he,  'I  die  already  with  it:  draw  — 
Draw,'  — and  Lavaine  drew,  and  Sir  Lancelot  gave 
A  marvellous  great  shriek  and  ghastly  groan. 
And  half  his  blood  burst  forth,  and  down  he  sank 
For  the  pure  pain,  and  wholly  swoon'd  away. 
Then  came  the  hermit  out  and  bare  him  in, 
There  stanch'd  his  wound;  and  there,  in  daily  doubt 
Whether  to  live  or  die,  for  many  a  week 
Hid  from  the  wild  world's  rumor  by  the  grove  520 

Of  poplars  with  their  noise  of  falling  showers, 
And  ever-tremulous  aspen-trees,  he  lay. 


H 


But  on  that  day  when  Lancelot  fled  the  lists, 
is  party,  knights  of  utmost  JSTorth  and  West, 


LANCELOT   AXD    ELAINE  136 

Lords  of  waste  marshes,  kings  of  desolate  isles, 

Came  round  their  great  Pendragon,  saying  to  him, 

'Lo,  Sire,  our  knight,  thro'  whom  we  won  the  day, 

Hath  gone  sore  wounded,  and  hath  left  his  prize 

Untaken,  crying  that  his  prize  is  death.' 

'Heaven  hinder,'  said  the  King,  'that  such  an  one,       53c 

So  great  a  knight  as  we  have  seen  to-day  — 

He  seem'd  to  me  another  Lancelot  — 

Yea,  twenty  times  I  thought  him  Lancelot  — 

He  must  not  pass  uucared  for.    AYherefore  rise, 

0  Gawain,  and  ride  forth  and  find  the  knight. 
Wounded  and  wearied,  needs  must  he  be  near. 

1  charge  you  that  you  get  at  once  to  horse. 

And,  knights  and  kings,  there  breathes  not  one  of  you 

Will  deem  this  prize  of  ours  is  rashly  given : 

His  prowess  was  too  wondrous.     We  will  do  him  540 

Xo  customary  honor:  since  the  knight 

Cajne  not  to  us,  of  us  to  claim  the  prize, 

Ourselves  will  send  it  after.     Eise  and  take 

This  diamond,  and  deliver  it,  and  return, 

And  bring  us  where  he  is,  and  how  he  fares, 

And  cease  not  from  your  quest  until  ye  find.' 

So  saying,  from  the  carven  flower  above, 
To  which  it  made  a  °restless  heart,  he  took 
And  gave  the  diamond :  then  from  where  he  sat 
At  Arthur's  right,  with  smiling  face  arose,  55c 

With  smiling  face  and  frowning  heart,  a  prince 
In  the  °mid  might  and  flourish  of  his  May, 
Gawain,  surnamed  the  Courteous,  fair  and  strong, 
And  after  Lancelot,  Tristram,  and  Geraint, 
And  Gareth,  a  good  knight,  but  therewithal 
Sir  Modred's  brother,  and  the  child  of  Lot, 
Xor  often  loyal  to  his  word,  and  now 
Wroth  that  the  King's  command  to  sally  forth 


136  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

In  quest  of  whom  he  knew  not,  made  him  leave 

The  banquet  and  concourse  of  knights  and  kings.  560 

So  all  in  wrath  he  got  to  horse  and  went; 
While  Arthur  to  the  banquet,  dark  in  mood, 
Past,  thinking,  'Is  it  Lancelot  who  hath  come 
Despite  the  wound  he  spake  of,  all  for  gain 
Of  glory,  and  hath  added  wound  to  wound, 
And  ridden  away  to  die?  '     So  fear'd  the  King, 
And,  after  two  days^  tarriance  there,  return'd. 
Then  when  he  saw  the  Queen,  embracing  ask'd, 
'Love,  are  you  j^et  so  sick?  '     '^a}^,  lord,'  she  said. 
'And  where  is  Lancelot?  '     Then  the  Queen  amazed,      570 
'Was  he  not  with  you?  won  he  not  your  prize? ' 
'Nay,  but  one  like  him.'     'Why,  that  like  was  he.' 
And  when  the  King  demanded  how  she  knew. 
Said :  '  Lord,  no  sooner  had  ye  p»arted  from  us 
Than  Lancelot  told  me  of  a  common  talk 
That  men  °went  down  before  liis  spear  at  a  touch, 
But  knowing  he  was  Lancelot ;  his  great  name 
Conquer'd;  and  therefore  Avould  he  hide  his  name 
From  all  men,  even  the  King,  and  to  this  end 
Had  made  the  pretext  of  a  hindering  wound,  580 

That  he  might  joust  unknown  of  all,  and  learn 
If  his  old  prowess  were  in  aught  decay'd; 
And  added,  "  Our  °true  Arthur,  when  he  learns, 
Will  well  allow  my  pretext,  as  for  gain 
Of  purer  glory." ' 

Then  replied  the  King: 
*Far  lovelier  in  our  Lancelot  had  it  been, 
In  lieu  of  idly  dallying  with  the  truth. 
To  have  trusted  me  as  he  hath  trusted  thee. 
Surely  his  King  and  most  familiar  friend 
Might  well  have  kept  his  secret.     True,  indeed,  590 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  137 

Albeit  I  know  my  knights  fantastical, 

So  fine  a  fear  in  our  large  Lancelot 

Must  needs  have  moved  my  laughter:  now  remains 

But  little  cause  for  laughter:  his  own  kin  — 

111  news,  my  Queen,  for  all  who  love  him,  this!  — 

His  kith  and  kin,  not  knowing,  set  upon  him; 

So  that  he  went  sore  wounded  from  the  field. 

Yet  good  news  too;  for  goodly  hopes  are  mine 

That  Lancelot  is  no  more  a  lonely  heart. 

He  wore,  against  his  wont,  upon  his  helm  600 

A  sleeve  of  scarlet,  broider'd  with  great  pearls, 

Some  gentle  maiden's  gift.' 

'Yea,  lord,'  she  said, 
'Thy  hopes  are  mine,'  and  saying  that,  she  choked, 
And  sharply  turn'd  abour  to  hide  her  face. 
Past  to  her  chamber  and  there  flung  herself 
Down  on  the  great  King's  couch,  and  writhed  upon  it, 
And  clench'd  her  fingers  till  they  bit  the  palm, 
And  shriek'd  out  'Traitor!  '  to  the  unhearing  wall, 
Then  flash'd  into  wild  tears,  and  rose  again, 
And  moved  about  her  palace,  proud  and  pale.  610 

Gawain  the  while  thro'  all  the  region  round 
Eode  with  his  diamond,  wearied  of  the  quest, 
Touch'd  at  all  points  except  the  poplar  grove, 
And  came  at  last,  tho'  late,  to  Astolat; 
Whom  glittering  in  enamell'd  arms  the  maid 
Glanced  at,  and  cried,  'What  news  from  Caraelot,  lord? 
What  of  the  knight  with  the  red  sleeve? '     'He  won.' 
'I  knew  it,'  she  said.     *But  parted  from  the  jousts 
Hurt  in  the  side;'  whereat  she  caught  her  breath; 
riiro'  her  own  side  she  felt  the  sharp  lance  go;  620 

Thereon  she  smote  her  hand;  wellnigh  she  swoon'd: 
And,  while  he  gazed  wonderingly  at  her,  came 


138  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

The  Lord  of  Astolat  out,  to  whom  the  prince 
Keported  who  he  was,  and  on  what  quest 
Sent,  that  he  bore  the  prize  and  could  not  find 
The  victor,  but  had  ridden  at  random  round 
To  seek  liim,  and  had  wearied  of  the  search. 
To  whom  the  Lord  of  Astolat:  'Bide  with  us, 
And  ride  no  more  at  random,  noble  prince ! 
Here  was  the  knight  and  here  he  left  a  shield;  630 

This  will  he  send  or  come  for:  furthermore. 
Our  son  is  with  him;  we  shall  hear  anon, 
Xeeds  must  we  hear.'     To  this  the  courteous  prince 
Accorded  with  his  wonted  courtes}', 
Courtesy  with  a  touch  of  traitor  in  it, 
And  staid;  and  cast  his  eyes  on  fair  Elaine; 
Where  could  be  found  face  daintier?  then  her  shape 
From  forehead  down  to  foot,  perfect  —  again 
From  foot  to  forehead  exquisitely  turn'd: 
'Well  —  if  I  bide,  lo!  this  wild  tlower  for  me!'  640 

And  oft  they  met  among  the  garden  yews, 
And  there  he  set  himself  to  play  upon  her 
With  sallying  wit,  free  flashes  °from  a  height 
Above  her,  graces  of  the  court,  and  songs. 
Sighs,  and  low  smiles,  and  golden  eloquence 
And  amorous  adulation,  till  the  maid 
Eebell'd  against  it,  saying  to  him:  'Prince, 
0  loyal  nephew  of  our  noble  King, 
Why  ask  you  not  to  see  the  shield  he  left, 
Whence  you  might  learn  his  name?     Why  slight  your 
King,  ^   650 

And  lose  the  quest  he  sent  you  on,  and  prove 
Xo  surer  than  our  falcon  yesterday. 
Who  lost  the  hern  we  slipt  her  at,  and  went 
To  all  the  winds? '     'Nay  by  mine  head,'  said  he, 
'I  lose  it,  as  we  lose  the  lark  in  heaven, 
0  damsel,  in  the  light  of  your  blue  eyes; 


LANCELOT   AND   ELAINE  139 

But  an  ye  will  it  let  me  see  the  shield.' 

And  when  the  shield  was  brought,  and  Gawain  saw 

Sir  Lancelot's  azure  lions,  crown'd  with  gold, 

Kamp  in  the  field,  he  smote  his  thigh,  and  mock'd:     660 

'Eight  was  the  King!  our  Lancelot!  that  true  man! ' 

'And  right  was  I,'  she  answer'd  merrily,  '1, 

Who  dream'd  my  knight  the  greatest  knight  of  all.' 

'And  if  /dream'd,'  said  Gawain,  'that  you  love 

This  greatest  knight,  your  pardon!  lo,  ye  know  it! 

Speak  therefore:  shall  I  waste  myself  in  vain? ' 

Full  simple  was  her  answer:  'What  know  I? 

My  brethren  have  been  all  m,y  fellowship; 

And  I,  when  often  they  have  talk'd  of  love, 

Wish'd  it  had  been  my  mother,  for  they  talk'd,  670 

Meseem'd,  of  what  they  knew  not;  so  myself  — 

I  know  not  if  I  know  what  true  love  is, 

But  if  I  know,  then,  if  I  love  not  him, 

I  know  there  is  none  other  I  can  love.' 

'Yea,  by  °God's  death,'  said  he,  'ye  love  him  well, 

But  would  not,  knew  ye  what  all  others  know. 

And  whom  he  loves.'     'So  be  it,'  cried  Elaine, 

And  lifted  her  fair  face  and  moved  away : 

But  he  pursued  her,  calling,  'Stay  a  little! 

One  golden  minute's  grace!  he  wore  your  sleeve:  680 

Would  he  break  faith  with  one  I  may  not  name? 

Must  our  true  man  change  like  a  leaf  at  last? 

Nay  —  like  enow :  why  then,  far  be  it  from  me 

To  cross  our  mighty  Lancelot  in  his  loves ! 

And,  damsel,  for  I  deem  you  know  full  well 

Where  your  great  knight  is  hidden,  let  me  leave 

My  quest  with  you;  the  diamond  also:  here! 

For  if  you  love,  it  will  be  sweet  to  give  it; 

And  if  he  love,  it  will  be  sweet  to  have  it 

From  your  own  hand;  and  whether  he  love  or  not,        690 

A  diamond  is  a  diamond.     Fare  you  well 


140  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

A  thousand  times!  — a  thousand  times  farewell! 
Yet,  if  he  love,  and  his  love  hold,  we  two 
May  meet  at  court  hereafter :  there,  I  think, 
So  ye  will  learn  the  courtesies  of  the  court, 
We  two  shall  know  each  other.' 

Then  he  gave, 
And  slightly  kiss'd  the  hand  to  which  he  gave, 
The  diamond,  and  all  wearied  of  the  quest 
Leapt  on  his  horse,  and  carolling  as  he  went 
A  true-love  ballad,  lightly  rode  away.  700 

Thence  to  the  court  he  past;  there  told  the  King 
What  the  King  knew,  'Sir  Lancelot  is  the  knight.' 
And  added,  'Sire  my  liege  so  much  I  learnt; 
But  fail'd  to  find  him  tho'  I  rode  all  round 
The  region:  but  I  lighted  on  the  maid 
Whose  sleeve  he  wore;  she  loves  him;  and  to  her, 
Deeming  our  °courtesy  is  the  truest  law, 
I  gave  the  diamond:  she  will  render  it; 
For  by  mine  head  she  knows  his  hiding-place.' 

The  seldom-frowning  King  frown 'd,  and  replied,      710 
'Too  courteous  truly!  ye  shall  go  no  more 
On  quest  of  mine,  seeing  that  ye  forget 
°Obedience  is  the  courtesy  due  to  kings.' 

He  spake  and  parted.     Wroth,  but  all  in  awe, 
For  twenty  °strokes  of  the  blood,  without  a  word, 
Linger'd  that  other,  staring  after  him ; 
Then  °shook  his  hair,  strode  off,  and  buzz'd  abroad 
About  the  maid  of  Astolat,  and  her  love. 
All  ears  were  prick'd  at  once,  all  tongues  were  loosed: 
'The  maid  of  Astolat  loves  Sir  Lancelot,  720 

Sir  Lancelot  loves  the  maid  of  Astolat.' 


LANCELOT    AND    ELAINE  141 

Some  read  the  King's  face,  some  the  Queen's,  and  all 

Had  °marvel  what  the  maid  might  be,  but  most 

Predoom'd  her  as  unworthy.     One  old  dame 

Came  suddenly  on  the  Queen  with  the  sharp  news. 

She,  that  had  heard  the  noise  of  it  before. 

But  sorrowing  Lancelot  should  have  stoop'd  so  low. 

°Marr'd  her  friend's  aim  with  pale  tranquillity. 

So  ran  the  tale  like  fire  about  the  court. 

Fire  in  dry  stubble  a  nine-days'  wonder  flared:  730 

Till  even  the  knights  at  banquet  twice  or  thrice 

Forgot  to  drink  to  Lancelot  and  the  Queen, 

And  pledging  Lancelot  and  the  lily  maid 

Smiled  at  each  other,  while  the  Queen,  who  sat 

With  lips  severely  placid,  felt  the  knot 

Climb  in  her  throat,  and  with  her  feet  unseen 

Crush'd  the  wild  passion  out  against  the  floor 

Beneath  the  banquet,  where  the  meats  became 

As  wormwood,  and  she  hated  all  who  pledged. 

But  far  away  the  maid  in  Astolat,  740 

Her  guiltless  rival,  she  that  ever  kept 
The  one-day-seen  Sir  Lancelot  in  her  heart, 
Crept  to  her  father,  while  he  mused  alone, 
Sat  on  his  knee,  stroked  his  gray  face  and  said : 
'Father,  you  call  me  wilful,  and  the  fault 
Is  yours  who  let  me  have  my  will,  and  now, 
Sweet  father,  will  you  let  me  lose  my  wits?' 
*Nay,'  said  he,  'surely.'     'Wherefore,*  let  me  hence,' 
She  answer'd,  'and  find  out  our  dear  Lavaine.' 
'Ye  will  not  lose  your  wits  for  dear  Lavaine:  750 

Bide,'  answer'd  he:  'we  needs  must  hear  anon 
Of  him,  and  of  that  other.'     'Ay,'  she  said, 
'And  of  that  other,  for  I  needs  must  hence 
And  find  that  other,  whereso'er  he  be. 
And  with  mine  own  hand  give  his  diamond  to  him, 


142  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Lest  I  be  found  as  faithless  in  the  quest 

As  yon  proud  prince  who  left  the  quest  to  me. 

Sweet  father,  I  behold  him  in  my  dreams 

Gaunt  as  it  were  the  skeleton  of  himself, 

Death-pale,  for  the  lack  of  gentle  maiden's  aid.  760 

Tlie  °gentler-born  the  maiden,  the  more  bound, 

My  father,  to  be  sweet  and  Gerviceable 

To  noble  knights  in  sickness,  as  ye  know. 

When  these  have  worn  their  tokens :  let  me  hence, 

I  pray  you.'     Then  her  father  nodding  said: 

*Ay,  ay,  the  diamond:  wit  ye  well,  my  child. 

Eight  fain  were  1  to  learn  this  knight  were  whole, 

Being  our  greatest :  3'ea,  and  you  must  give  it  — 

And  sure  I  tliink  this  fruit  is  hung  too  high 

For  any  mouth  to  gape  for  save  a  queen's  —  770 

Nay,  I  mean  nothing:  so  then,  get  you  gone, 

Being  so  very  wilful  you  must  go.' 

Lightly,  her  suit  allow 'd,  she  slipt  away, 
And  while  she  made  her  ready  for  her  ride 
Her  father's  latest  word  humm'd  in  her  ear, 
'Being  so  very  wilful  you  must  go,' 
And  changed  itself  and  echo'd  in  her  heart, 
'Being  so  very  wilful  you  must  die,' 
But  she  was  happy  enough  and  shook  it  off. 
As  we  shake  off  the  bee  that  buzzes  at  us ;  780 

And  in  her  heart  she  answer 'd  it  and  said, 
'What  matter,  so  I  help  him  back  to  life? ' 
Then  far  away  with  good  Sir  Torre  for  guide 
Rode  o'er  the  long  backs  of  the  bushless  downs 
To  Camelot,  and  before  the  city-gates 
Came  on  her  brother  with  a  happy  face 
Making  a  roan  horse  caper  and  curvet 
For  pleasure  all  about  a  field  of  flowers ; 
Whom  when  she  saw,  'Lavaine,'  she  cried,  'Lavaine, 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  143 

How  fares  my  lord  Sir  Lancelot?'     He  amazed,  790 

'Torre  and  Elaine!  why  here?     Sir  Lancelot! 

How  know  ye  my  lord's  name  is  Lancelot? ' 

But  when  the  maid  had  told  him  all  her  tale, 

Then  turn'd  Sir  Torre,  and  being  in  his  moods 

Left  them,  and  under  the  strange-statued  gate. 

Where  Arthur's  wars  were  render'd  mystically, 

Past  up  the  still  rich  city  to  his  kin, 

His  own  far  blood,  which  dwelt  at  Camelot; 

And  her,  Lavaine  across  the  poplar  grove 

Led  to  the  caves :  there  first  she  saw  the  casque  800 

Of  Lancelot  on  the  wall :  her  scarlet  sleeve, 

Tho'  carved  and  cut,  and  half  the  pearls  away, 

Stream'd  from  it  still;  and  in  her  heart  she  laugh'd, 

Because  he  had  not  loosed  it  from  his  helm, 

But  meant  once  more  perchance  to  tourney  in  it. 

And  when  they  gain'd  the  cell  wherein  he  slept, 

His  °battle-writhen  arms  and  mighty  hands 

Lay  naked  on  the  wolf-skin,  and  a  dream 

Of  dragging  down  his  enemy  made  them  move. 

Then  she  that  saw  him  lying  unsleek,  unshorn,  810 

Gaunt  as  it  were  the  skeleton  of  himself. 

Letter' d  a  little  tender  dolorous  cry. 

The  sound  not  wonted  in  a  place  so  still 

Woke  the  sick  knight,  and  while  he  roll'd  his  eyes 

Yet  blank  from  sleep,  she  started  to  him,  saying, 

'Your  prize  the  diamond  sent  you  by  the  King.' 

His  eyes  glisten'd:  she  fancied,  'Is  it  for  me?' 

And  when  the  maid  had  told  him  all  the  tale 

Of  king  and  prince,  the  diamond  sent,  the  quest 

Assign'd  to  her  not  worthy  of  it,  she  knelt  820 

Full  lowly  by  the  corners  of  his  bed. 

And  laid  the  diamond  in  his  open  hand. 

Her  face  was  near,  and  as  we  kiss  the  child 

That  does  the  task  assign'd,  he  kiss'd  her  face. 


144  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KIXG 

At  once  slie  slipt  like  water  to  the  floor. 

*Alas,'  he  said,  '3-our  ride  hath  wearied  you. 

Rest  must  yow  have.'     'No  rest  for  me,'  she  said; 

'Naj^  for  near  you,  fair  lord,  I  am  at  rest.' 

What  might  she  mean  by  that?  his  large  black  eyes, 

Yet  larger  thro'  his  leanness,  dwelt  upon  her,  830 

Till  all  her  heart's  sad  secret  blazed  itself 

In  the  heart's  colors  on  her  simple  face; 

And  Lancelot  look'd  and  was  perplext  in  mind, 

And  being  weak  in  body  said  no  more. 

But  did  not  love  the  color;  woman's  love. 

Save  one,  he  not  regarded,  and  so  turn'd 

Sighing,  and  feign' d  a  sleep  until  he  slept. 

Then  rose  Elaine  and  glided  thro'  the  fields, 
And  past  beneath  the  weirdl3^-sculptured  gates 
Far  up  the  dim  rich  city  to  her  kin ;  840 

There  bode  the  night :  but  woke  with  dawn,  and  past 
Down  thro'  the  dim  rich  city  to  the  fields, 
Thence  to  the  cave.     So  day  by  day  she  past 
In  either  twilight  ghost-like  to  and  fro 
Gliding,  and  every  day  she  tended  him, 
And  likewise  many  a  night;  and  Lancelot 
Would,  tho'  he  call'd  his  wound  a  little  hurt 
Whereof  he  should  be  quickly  whole,  at  times 
Brain-feverous  in  his  heat  and  agony,  seem 
Uncourteous,  even  he :  but  the  meek  maid  850 

Sweetly  forbore  him  ever,  being  to  him 
Meeker  than  any  child  to  a  rough  nurse. 
Milder  than  any  mother  to  a  sick  child, 
And  never  woman  yet,  since  man's  first  fall, 
Did  kindlier  unto  man,  but  her  deep  love 
Upbore  her;  till  the  hermit,  skill'd  in  all 
The  simples  and  the  science  of  that  time, 
Told  him  that  her  fine  care  had  saved  his  life. 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  145 

And  the  sick  man  forgot  her  simple  blush, 

Would  call  her  friend  and  sister,  sweet  Elaine,  860 

Would  listen  for  her  coming  and  regret 

Her  parting  step,  and  held  her  tenderl}^, 

And  loved  her  with  all  love  except  the  love 

Of  man  and  woman  when  they  love  their  best, 

Closest  and  sweetest,  and  had  died  the  death 

In  any  knightly  fashion  for  her  sake. 

And  peradventure  had  he  seen  her  first 

She  miglit  have  made  this  and  that  other  world 

Another  world  for  the  sick  man ;  but  now 

The  shackles  of  an  old  love  straiten'd  him,  870 

His  °honor  rooted  in  dishonor  stood. 

And  faith  unfaithful  kept  him  falsely  true. 

Yet  the  great  knight  in  his  mid-sickness  made 
Full  many  a  holy  vow  and  pure  resolve. 
These,  as  but  born  of  sickness,  could  not  live; 
For  when  tlie  blood  ran  lustier  in  him  again, 
Full  often  the  bright  image  of  °one  face, 
Making  a  treacherous  quiet  in  his  heart. 
Dispersed  his  resolution  like  a  cloud. 
Then  if  the  maiden,  while  that  ghostly  grace  880 

Beam'd  on  his  fancy,  spoke,  he  answer'd  not, 
Or  short  and  coldly,  and  she  knew  right  well 
What  the  °rough  sickness  meant,  but  what  this  meant 
She  knew  not,  and  the  sorrow  dimm'd  her  sight, 
And  drave  her  ere  her  time  across  the  fields 
Far  into  the  rich  city,  w^here  alone 
She  murmur'd,  *Vain,  in  vain:  it  cannot  be. 
He  will  not  love  me:  how  then?  must  I  die?' 
Then  as  a  little  helpless  innocent  bird. 
That  has  but  one  plain  passage  of  few  notes,  890 

Will  sing  the  simple  passage  o'er  and  o'er 
For  all  an  April  morning,  till  the  ear 


146  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KINO 

Wearies  to  hear  it,  so  the  simple  maid 

Went  half  the  night  repeating,  'Must  I  die?^ 

And  now  to  right  she  turn'd,  and  now  to  left, 

And  found  no  ease  in  turning  or  in  rest; 

And  'Him  or  death,'  she  mutter'd,  'death  or  him/ 

Again  and  like  a  °burthen,  'Him  or  death/ 

But  when  Sir  Lancelot's  deadly  hurt  was  whole, 
To  Astolat  returning  rode  the  three.  900 

There  morn  by  morn,  arrajang  her  sweet  self 
In  that  wherein  she  deem'd  she  look'd  her  best, 
She  came  before  Sir  Lancelot,  for  she  thought, 
'If  I  be  loved,  these  are  my  festal  robes, 
If  not,  the  "victim's  flowers  before  he  fall.' 
And  Lancelot  ever  prest  upon  the  maid 
That  she  should  ask  some  goodly  gift  of  him 
For  her  own  self  or  hers:  'and  do  not  shun 
To  speak  the  wish  most  near  to  your  true  heart; 
Such  service  have  ye  done  me  that  I  make  910 

My  will  of  yours,  and  prince  and  lord  am  I 
In  mine  own  land,  and  what  I  will  I  can.' 
Then  like  a  ghost  she  lifted  up  her  face, 
But  like  a  ghost  without  the  power  to  speak. 
And  Lancelot  saw  that  she  withheld  her  wish, 
And  bode  among  them  yet  a  little  space 
Till  he  should  learn  it;  and  one  morn  it  chanced 
He  found  her  in  among  the  garden  yews, 
And  said,  'Delay  no  longer,  speak  your  wish. 
Seeing  I  go  to-day: '  then  out  she  brake:  920 

'Going?  and  we  shall  never  see  you  more. 
And  I  must  die  for  want  of  one  bold  word.' 
'Speak:  that  I  live  to  hear,'  he  said,  'is  yours.' 
Then  suddenly  and  passionately  she  spoke: 
'I  have  gone  mad.     I  love  you:  let  me  die.' 
'Ah,  sister,'  answer'd  Lancelot,  'what  is  this?^ 


LANCELOT    AND    ELAINE  147 

And  innocently  extending  her  white  arms, 

'Your  love,'  she  said,  'your  love  —  to  be  your  wife.' 

And  Lancelot  answer'd,  'Had  I  chosen  to  wed, 

I  had  been  wedded  earlier,  sweet  Elaine;  930 

But  now  there  never  will  be  wife  of  mine,' 

'Xo,  no,'  she  cried,  'I  care  not  to  be  wife, 

But  to  be  with  you  still, -to  see  your  face. 

To  serve  you,  and  to  follow  you  thro'  the  world.' 

And  Lancelot  answer'd:  'Xay,  the  world,  the  world, 

All  ear  and  eye,  with  such  a  stupid  heart 

To  interpret  ear  and  eye,  and  such  a  tongue 

To  blare  its  own  interpretation  —  nay, 

Full  ill  then  should  I  quit  your  brother's  love, 

And  your  good  father's  kindness.'     And  she  said,        940 

'Not  to  be  with  you,  not  to  see  your  face  — 

Alas  for  me  then,  my  good  days  are  done ! ' 

'Nay,  noble  maid,'  he  answer'd,  'ten  times  nay! 

This  is  not  love,  but  love's  first  flash  in  youth, 

Most  common:  yea,  I  know  it  of  mine  own  self; 

And  you  yourself  will  smile  at  your  own  self 

Hereafter,  when  you  yield  your  flower  of  life 

To  one  more  fitly  yours,  not  thrice  your  age. 

And  then  will  I,  for  true  you  are  and  sweet 

Beyond  mine  old  belief  in  womanliood,  950 

More  specially  should  your  good  knight  be  poor, 

Endow  you  with  broad  land  and  territory 

Even  to  the  °half  my  realm  beyond  the  seas. 

So  that  would  make  you  happy :  furthermore. 

Even  to  the  death,  as  tho'  ye  were  my  blood. 

In  all  your  quarrels  will  I  be  your  kniglit. 

This  will  I  do,  dear  damsel,  for  your  sake, 

And  more  than  this  I  cannot.' 

While  he  spoke 
She  neither' blush'd  nor  shook,  but  deathly-pale 


148  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Stood  grasping  what  was  nearest,  then  replied^  960 

*0f  all  this  will  1  nothing; '  and  so  fell, 

And  thus  they  bore  her  swooning  to  her  tower. 


Then  spake,  to  whom  thro'  those  black  walls  of  yew 
Their  talk  had  pierced,  her  father:  'Ay,  a  flash, 
I  fear  me,  that  will  strike  my  blt)SSom  dead. 
Too  courteous  are  ye,  fair  Lord  Lancelot. 
I  pray  you,  use  some  rough  discourtesy 
To  blunt  or  break  her  passion. ' 

Lancelot  said, 
'That  were  °against  me:  what  I  can  I  will;  ' 
And  there  that  day  remain'd,  and  toward  even  970 

Sent  for  his  shield:  full  meekly  rose  the  maid, 
Stript  off  the  case,  and  gave  the  naked  shield ; 
Then,  when  she  heard  his  horse  upon  the  stones, 
Unclasping  flung  the  casement  back,  and  look'd 
Down  on  his  helm,  from  which  her  sleeve-  had  gone. 
And  Lancelot  knew  the  little  clinking  sound; 
And  she  by  °tact  of  love  was  well  aware 
That  Lancelot  knew  that  she  was  looking  at  him. 
And  yet  he  glanced  not  up,  nor  waved  his  hand. 
Nor  bade  farewell,  but  sadly  rode  away.  980 

This  was  the  one  discourtesy  that  "he  used. 

So  in  her  tower  alone  the  maiden  sat: 
His  very  shield  was  gone ;  only  the  case. 
Her  own  poor  work,  her  empty  labor,  left. 
But  still  she  heard  him,  still  his  picture  form'd 
And  grew  between  her  and  the  pictured  wall. 
Then  came  her  father,  saying  in  low  tones, 
'Have  comfort,'  whom  she  greeted  quietly. 
Then  came  her  brethren  saying,  'Peace  to  thee, 
Sweet  sister,'  whom  she  answer'd  with  all  calm.  990 


LANCELOT   AXD    ELAINE  149 

But  when  they  left  her  to  herself  again, 
Death,  like  a  friend's  voice  from  a  distant  field 
i^pproaching  thro'  the  darkness,  call'd;  the  owls 
Wailing  had  power  upon  her,  and  she  mixt 
Her  fancies  with  the  °sallow-rifted  glooms 
Of  evening  and  the  meanings  of  the  wind. 

And  in  those  da3^s  she  made  a  little  song. 
And  call'd  her  song  'The  Song  of  Love  and  Death/ 
And  sang  it:  sweetly  could  she  make  and  sing. 

'Sweet  is  true  love  tho'  given  in  vain,  in  vain;         looo 
And  sweet  is  death  who  puts  an  end  to  pain : 
I  know  not  which  is  sweeter,  no,  not  I. 

'Love,  art  thou  sweet?  then  bitter  death  must  be: 
Love,  thou  art  bitter;  sweet  is  death  to  me. 

0  Love,  if  death  be  sweeter,  let  me  die. 

'Sweet  love,  that  seems  not  made  to  fade  away; 
Sweet  death,  that  seems  to  make  us  loveless  clay: 

1  know  not  which  is  sweeter,  no,  not  I. 

'I  fain  would  follow  love,  if  that  could  be; 
I  needs  must  follow  death,  who  calls  for  me;  loio 

Call  and  I  follow,  I  follow!  let  me  die.' 

High  with  the  last  line  sealed  her  voice,  and  this. 
All  in  a  °fiery  dawning  wild  with  wind 
That  shook  her  tower,  brothers  heard,  and  thought 
With  shuddering,  'Hark  the  °Phantom  of  the  house 
That  ever  shrieks  before  a  death,'  and  call'd 
The  father,  and  all  three  in  hurry  and  fear 
Kan  to  her,  and  lo !  the  blood-red  light  of  dawn 
Flared  on  her  face,  she  shiilling,  'Let  me  die!  ' 


150"  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

As  when  we  dwell  upon  a  word  we  know,  1020 

Repeating,  till  the  word  we  know  so  well 
Becomes  a  wonder,  and  we  know  not  wliy, 
So  dwelt  the  father  on  her  face,  and  thought, 
'Is  this  Elaine?  '  till  back  the  maiden  fell. 
Then  gave  a  languid  hand  to  each,  and  lay, 
Speaking  a  still  good-morrow  with  her  eyes. 
At  last  she  said:  'Sweet  brothers,  yesternight 
I  seem'd  a  curious  little  maid  again. 
As  happy  as  when  we  dwelt  among  the  woods. 
And  when  ye  used  to  take  me  with  the  flood  1030 

Up  the  great  river  in  the  boatman's  boat. 
Only  ye  would  not  pass  beyond  the  cape 
That  had  the  poplar  on  it:  there  ye  fixt 
Your  limit,  oft  returning  with  the  tide. 
And  yet  I  cried  because  ye  would  not  pass 
Beyond  it,  and  far  up  the  shining  flood 
Until  we  found  the  palace  of  the  King. 
And  yet  ye  would  not;  but  this  night  I  dream'd 
That  I  was  all  alone  upon  the  flood. 

And  then  I  said,  "x^ow  shall  I  have  my  will: "  1040 

And  there  I  woke,  but  still  the  wish  remained. 
So  let  me  hence  that  I  may  pass  at  last 
Beyond  the  poplar  and  far  up  the  flood. 
Until  I  lind  the  palace  of  the  King. 
There  will  I  enter  in  among- them  all. 
And  no  man  there  will  dare  to  mock  at  me; 
But  there  the  fine  Gawain  will  wonder  at  me. 
And  there  the  great  Sir  Lancelot  muse  at  me; 
Gawain,  who  bade  a  thousand  farewells  to  me, 
Lancelot,  who  coldly  went,  nor  bade  me  one:  1050 

And  there  the  King  will  know  me  and  my  love. 
And  there  the  Queen  herself  will  pity  me. 
And  all  the  gentle  court  will  welcome  me, 
And  after  my  long  voyage  I  shall  rest ! ' 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  151 

'Peace,'  said  her  father,  '0  my  child,  ye  seem 
Light-headed,  for  what  °force  is  yours  to  go 
So  far,  being  sick?  and  wherefore  would  ye  look 
On  this  proud  fellow  again,  who  scorns  us  all? ' 

Then  the  rough  Torre  began  to  heave  and  move. 
And  bluster  into  stormy  sobs  and  say:  1060 

'I  never  loved  him:  an  I  meet  with  him, 
I  care  not  howsoever  great  he  be, 
Then  will  I  strike  at  him  and  strike  him  down; 
Give  me  good  fortune,  I  will  strike  him  dead, 
For  this  discomfort  he  hath  done  the  house. ' 

To  whom  the  gentle  sister  made  reply : 
'Fret  not  yourself,  dear  brother,  nor  be  wroth. 
Seeing  it  is  no  more  Sir  Lancelot's  fault 
Xot  to  love  me  than  it  is  mine  to  love 
Him  of  all  men  who  seems  to  me  the  highest.'  1070 

'Highest?'  the  father  answer'd,  echoing  'highest?  "  — 
He  meant  to  break  the  passion  in  her  —  'nay, 
Daughter,  I  know  not  what  you  call  the  highest; 
But  this  I  know,  for  all  the  people  know  it, 
He  loves  the  Queen,  and  in  an  open  shame : 
And  she  returns  his  love  in  open  shame; 
If  this  be  high,  what  is  it  to  be  low"? ' 

Then  spake  the  lily  maid  of  Astolat: 
'Sweet  father,  all  too  faint  and  sick  am  I 
For  anger:  these  are  slanders;  never  yet  1080 

Was  noble  man  but  made  ignoble  talk. 
He  makes  no  friend  who  never  made  a  foe. 
But  now  it  is  my  glory  to  have  loved 
One  peerless,  without  stain :  so  let  me  pass, 
My  father,  howsoe'er  .1  seem  to  you. 


152  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Not  all  unhappy,  having  loved  God's  best 

And  greatest,  tho'  my  love  had  no  return: 

Yet,  seeing  you  desire  your  child  to  live. 

Thanks,  but  you  work  against  your  own  desire; 

For  if  I  could  believe  the  things  3^ou  say  1090 

I  should  but  die  the  sooner;  wherefore  cease. 

Sweet  father,"  and  bid  call  the  ghostly  man 

Hither,  and  let  me  shrive  me  clean  and  die.' 

So  when  the  ghostly  man  had  come  and  gone, 
She,  with  a  face  bright  as  for  sin  forgiven. 
Besought  Lavaine  to  write  as  she  devised 
A  letter,  word  for  word;  and  when  he  ask'd, 
'Is  it  for  Lancelot,  is  it  for  my  dear  lord? 
Then  will  I  bear  it  gladly;'  she  replied, 
'For  Lancelot  and  the  Queen  and  all  the  world,  iioo 

But  I  myself  must  bear  it.'     Then  he  wrote 
The  letter  she  devised;  which  being  writ 
And  folded,  '0  sweet  father,  tender  and  true, 
Deny  me  not,'  she  said  —  'ye  never  yet 
Denied  my  fancies  — this,  however  strange, 
M}"  latest:  lay  the  letter  in  my  hand 
A  little  ere  I  die,  and  close  the  hand 
Upon  it;  I  shall  guard  it  even  in  death. 
And  when  the  heat  has  gone  from  out  my  heart. 
Then  take  the  little  bed  on  which  I  died  mo 

For  Lancelot's  love,  and  deck  it  like  the  Queen's 
For  richness,  and  me  also  like  the  Queen 
In  all  I  have  of  rich,  and  lay  me  on  it. 
And  let  there  be  prepared  a  chariot-bier 
To  take  me  to  the  river,  and  a  barge 
Be  ready  on  the  river,  clothed  in  black. 
I  go  in  state  to  court,  to  meet  the  Queen. 
There  surely  I  shall  speak  for  mine  own  self, 
And  none  of  you  can  speak  for  me  so  well. 


LANCELOT    AND    ELAINE  153 

And  therefore  let  our  dumb  old  man  alone  1120 

Go  with  me ;  he  can  steer  and  row,  and  he 
Will  guide  me  to  that  palace,  to  the  doors.' 

She  ceased:  her  father  promised;  whereupon 
She  grew  so  cheerful  that  they  °deem'd  her  death 
Was  rather  in  the  fantasy  than  the  blood. 
But  ten  slow  mornings  past,  and  on  the  eleventh 
Her  father  laid  the  letter  in  her  hand, 
And  closed  the  hand  upon  it,  and  she  died. 
So  that  day  there  was  dole  in  Astolat. 

But  when  the  next  sun  brake  from  underground,      1130 
Then,  those  two  brethren  slowly  with  bent  brows 
Accompanying,  the  sad  chariot-bier 
Past  like  a  shadow  thro'  the  held,  that  shone 
Full-summer,  to  that  stream  whereon  the  barge, 
Pall'd  all  its  length  in  blackest  samite,  lay. 
There  sat  the  lifelong  creature  of  the  house, 
Loyal,  the  dumb  old  servitor,  on  deck. 
Winking  his  eyes,  and  twisted  all  his  face. 
So  those  two  brethren  from  the  chariot  took 
And  on  the  black  decks  laid  her  in  her  bed,  1140 

Set  in  her  hand  a  lily,  o'er  her  hung 
The  silken  case  with  braided  blazonings, 
And  kiss'd  her  quiet  brows,  and  saying  to  her, 
'Sister,  farewell  forever,'  and  again, 
'Farewell,  sweet  sister.'  parted  all  in  tears. 
Then  rose  the  dumb  old  servitor,  and  the  dead, 
Oar'd  by  the  dumb,  went  upward  with  the  flood  — 
In  her  right  hand  the  lily,  in  her  left 
The  letter  —  all  her  bright  hair  streaming  down  — 
And  all  the  coverlid  was  cloth  of  gold  1150 

Drawn  to  her  waist,  and  slie  herself  in  white 
All  bat  her  face,  and  that  clear-featured  face 


154  IDYLLS    OF     THE    KING 

Was  lovely,  for  she  did  not  seem  as  dead, 
But  fast  asleep,  and  lay  as  tlio'  she  smiled. 

That  day  Sir  Lancelot  at  the  palace  craved 
Audience  of  Guinevere,  to  give  at  last 
The  price  of  half  a  realm,  his  costly  gift. 
Hard-won  and  °hardly  won  with  bruise  and  blow. 
With  deaths  of  others,  and  almost  his  own, 
The  °nine-years-fought-for  diamonds;  for  he  saw         1160 
One  of  her  house,  and  sent  him'  to  the  Queen 
Bearing  his  wish,  whereto  the  Queen  agreed 
With  such  and  so  unmoved  a  majesty 
She  might  have  seem'd  her  statue,  but  that  he, 
Low-drooping  till  he  wellnigh  kiss'd  her  feet 
For  loyal  awe,  saw  with  a  sidelong  eye 
The  shadow  of  some  piece. of  pointed  lace, 
In  the  Queen's  shadow,  vibrate  on  the  walls, 
And  parted,  laughing  in  his  courtly  heart. 

All  in  an  °oriel  on  the  summer  side,  1170 

Vine-clad,  of  Arthur's  palace  toward  the  stream. 
They  met,  and  Lancelot  kneeling  utter'd:  'Queen, 
Lady,  my  liege,  in  whom  I  have  my  joy, 
Take,  what  I  had  not  won  except  for  you, 
These  jewels,  and  make  me  happy,  making  them 
An  armlet  for  the  roundest  arm  on  earth, 
Or  necklace  for  a  neck  to  which  the  swan's 
Is  °tawnier  than  her  cygnet's:  these  are  words; 
Your  beauty  is  your  beauty,  and  I  sin 
In  speaking,  yet  0,  grant  my  worship  of  it  1180 

Words,  as  we  grant  grief  tears.     Such  sin  in  words 
Perchance,  we  both  can  pardon ;  but,  my  Queen, 
I  hear  of  rumors  flying  thro'  your  court. 
Our  bond,  as  not  the  bond  of  man  and  wife^ 
Should  have  in  it  an  absoluter  trust 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  155 

To  make  up  that  defect:  let  rumors  be: 
When  did  not  rumors  fly?  °these,  as  I  trust 
That  you  trust  me  in  your  own  nobleness, 
I  may  not  well  believe  that  you  believe.' 

While  thus  he  spoke,  half  turn'd  away,  the  Queen    1190 
Brake  from  the  vast  oriel-embowering  vine 
Leaf  after  leaf,  and  tore,  and  cast  them  off. 
Till  all  the  place  whereon  she  stood  was  green; 
Then,  when  he  ceased,  in  one  cold  passive  hand 
Received  at  once  and  laid  aside  the  gems 
There  on  a  table  near  her,  and  replied: 

'It  may  be  I  am  quicker  of  belief 
Than  you  believe  me,  Lancelot  of  the  Lake. 
Our  bond  is  not  the  bond  of  man  and  wife. 
This  good  is  in  it,  whatsoe'er  of  ill,  1200 

It  can  be  broken  easier.     I  for  you 
This  many  a  year  have  done  despite  and  wrong 
To  one  whom  ever  in  my  heart  of  hearts 
I  did  acknowledge  nobler.     What  are  these? 
Diamonds  for  me!  they  had  been  thrice  their  worth 
Being  your  gift,  had  you  not  lost  your  own. 
To  loyal  hearts  the  value  of  all  gifts 
Must  vary  as  the  giver's.     Xot  for  me  I 
For  her!  for  your  new  fancy.     Only  this 
Grant  me,  I  pray  you :  have  your  joys  apart.  1210 

I  doubt  not  that,  however  changed,  you  keep 
So  much  of  what  is  graceful :  and  myself 
Would  shun  to  break  those  bonds  of  courtesy 
In  which  as  Artliur's  Queen  I  move  and  rule; 
So  cannot  speak  my  mind.     An  end  to  this! 
A  strange  one!  yet  I  take  it  with  Amen. 
So  pray  you,  add  my  diamonds  to  her  °pearls; 
Deck  her  with  these;  tell  her,  she  shines  me  down: 


156  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

An  armlet  for  an  arm  to  whicli  the  Queen's 

Is  haggard,  or  a  necklace  for  a  neck 

0,  as  much  fairer  —  as  a  faith  once  fair 

Was  richer  than  these  diamonds  —  hers  not  mine 

Nay,  by  the  mother  of  our  Lord  himself. 

Or  hers  or  mine,  mine  now  to  work  my  will  — 

She  shall  not  have  them.' 


Saying  which  she  seized. 
And,  thro'  the  casement  standing  wide  for  heat, 
Flung  them,  and  down  they  flash'd,  and  smote  the  stream. 
Then  from  the  °smitten  surface  flash'd,  as  it  were. 
Diamonds  to  meet  them,  and  they  past  away. 
Then  while  Sir  Lancelot  leant,  in  half  disdain  1230 

At  love,  life,  all  things,  on  the  window  ledge, 
Close  underneath  his  eyes,  and  right  across 
Where  these  had  fallen,  slowly  past  the  barge 
Whereon  the  lily  maid  of  Astolat 
Lay  smiling,  like  a  star  in  blackest  night. 

But  the  wild  Queen,  who  saw  not,  burst  away 
To  weep  and  wail  in  secret;  and  the  barge, 
On  to  the  palace-doorway  sliding,  paused. 
There  two  stood  arm'd,  and  kept  the  door;  to  whom. 
All  up  the  marble  stair,  tier  over  tier,  1240 

Were  added  mouths  that  gaped,  and  eyes  that  ask'd, 
'What  is  it?'  but  that  oarsman's  haggard  face. 
As  hard  and  still  as  is  the  face  that  men 
Shape  to  their  fancy's  eye  from  broken  rocks 
On  some  cliff-side,  appall'd  them,  and  they  said: 
'He  is  enchanted,  cannot  speak  —  and  she. 
Look  how  she  sleeps  —  tlie  Fairy  Queen,  so  fair! 
Yea,  but  liow  pale!  what  are  they?  flesh  and  blood? 
Or  come  to  take  the  King  to  Fairyland? 


LANCELOT    AXD    ELAINE  157 

For  some  do  hold  our  Artlmr  cannot  die,  1250 

But  that  he  passes  into  Fairyland/ 

While  thus  they  babbled  of  the  King,  the  King 
Came  girt  with  knights:  then  turn'd  the  tongueless  man 
From  the  half-face  to  the  full  eye,  and  rose 
And  pointed  to  the  damsel  and  the  doors. 
So  Arthur  bade  the  meek  Sir  Percivale 
And  pure  Sir  Galahad  to  uplift  the  maid ; 
And  reverently  they  bore  her  into  hall. 
Then  came  the  fine  Gawain  and  wonder'd  at  her, 
And  Lancelot  later  came  and  mused  at  her,  1260 

And  last  the  Queen  herself,  and  pitied  her; 
But  Arthur  spied  the  letter  in  her  hand, 
Stoopt,  took,  brake  seal,  and  read  it ;  this  was  all : 

'Most  noble  lord.  Sir  Lancelot  of  the  Lake, 
I,  "sometime  call'd  the  maid  of  Astolat, 
Come,  for  you  left  me  taking  no  farewell, 
Hither,  to  take  my  last  farewell  of  you. 
I  loved  you,  and  my  love  had  no  return, 
And  therefore  my  true  love  lias  been  my  death. 
And  therefore  to  our  Lady  Guinevere,  1270 

And  to  all  other  ladies,  I  make  moan : 
Pray  for  my  soul,  and  yield  me  burial. 
Pray  for  my  soul  thou  too.  Sir  Lancelot, 
As  thou  art  a  knight  peerless.' 

Thus  he  read; 
And  ever  in  the  reading  lords  and  dames 
Wept,  looking  often  from  his  face  who  read 
To  hers  which  lay  so  silent,  and  at  times, 
So  touch'd  were  they,  half-thinking  that  her  lips 
Who  had  devised  the  letter  moved  asrain 


158  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Then  freely  spoke  Sir  Lancelot  to  them  all :  1280 

'My  lord  liege  Arthur,  and  all  ye  that  hear, 
Know  that  for  this  most  gentle  maiden's  death 
Right  heavy  am  I;  for  good  she  was  and  true, 
But  loved  me  with  a  love  beyond  all  love 
In  women,  whomsoever  I  have  known. 
Yet  to  be  loved  makes  not  to  love  again; 
Xot  at  my  years,  however  it  °liold  in  youth. 
I  swear  by  truth  and  knighthood  that  I  gave 
Xo  cause,  not  willingly,  for  such  a  love. 
To  this  I  call  my  friends  in  testimony,  1290 

Her  brethren,  and  her  father,  who  himself 
Besought  me  to  be  plain  and  blunt,  and  use, 
To  break  her  passion,  some  discourtesy 
Against  my  nature :  what  I  could,  I  did. 
I  left  her  and  I  bade  her  no  farewell; 
Tho'  had  I  dreamt  the  damsel  would  have  died, 
I  °might  have  put  my  wits  to  some  rough  use, 
And  help'd  her  from  herself.' 

Then  said  the  Queen  — 
Sea  was  her  wrath,  yet  working  after  storm : 
'Ye  might  at  least  have  done  her  so  much  grace,  1300 

Fair  lord,  as  would  have  help'd  her  from  her  death.' 
He  raised  his  head,  their  eyes  met  and  hers  fell, 
He  adding: 

'Queen,  she  would  not  be  content 
Save  that  I  wedded  her,  wliich  could  not  be. 
Then  might  she  follow  me  thro'  the  world,  she  ask'd; 
It  could  not  be.     I  told  her  that  her  love 
Was  but  the  flash  of  youth,  would  darken  down. 
To  rise  hereafter  in  a  stiller  flame 
Toward  one  more  worthy  of  her  —  then  would  I, 
More  specially  were  he  she  wedded  poor,  1310 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  159 

Estate  them  with  large  land  and  territory 
In  mine  own  realm  beyond  the  narrow  seas, 
To  keep  them  in  all  joyance :  more  than  this 
I  could  not;  this  she  would  not,  and  she  died.' 


He  pausing,  Arthur  answer'd:  *0  my  knight, 
It  will  be  to  thy  worship,  as  my  knight, 
And  mine,  as  head  of  all  our  Table  Round, 
To  see  that  she  be  buried  worshipfully.' 

So  toward  that  °shrine  which  then  in  all  the  realm 
Was  richest,  Arthur  leading,  slowly  went .  1320 

The  marshall'd  Order  of  their  Table  Eound, 
And  Lancelot  sad  beyond  his  wont,  to  see 
The  maiden  buried,  not  as  one  unknown. 
Nor  meanly,  but  with  gorgeous  obsequies. 
And  mass,  and  rolling  music,  like  a  queen. 
And  when  the  knights  had  laid  her  comely  head 
Low  in  the  dust  of  half-forgotten  kings. 
Then  Arthur  spake  among  them:  'Let  her  tomb 
Be  costly,  and  her  image  thereupon. 
And  let  the  shield  of  Lancelot  at  her  feet  1330 

Be  carven,  and  her  lily  in  her  hand. 
And  let  the  story  of  her  dolorous  voyage 
For  all  true  hearts  be  blazon'd  on  her  tomb 
In  letters  gold  and  azure ! '  which  was  Avrought 
Thereafter;  but  when  now  the  lords  and  dames 
And  people,  from  the  high  door  streaming,  brake 
Disorderly,  as  homeward  each,  the  Queen, 
Who  mark'd  Sir  Lancelot  where  he  moved  apart, 
Drew  near,  and  sigh'd  in  passing,  'Lancelot, 
Forgive  me;  mine  was  jealousy  in  love.'  1340 

He  answer'd  with  his  eyes  upon  the  ground, 
*That  is  love's  curse;  pass  on,  my  Queen,  forgiven.' 


160  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

But  Arthur,  who  beheld  his  cloudy  brows, 
Approach'd  him,  and  with  full  affection  said: 

'Lancelot,  my  Lancelot,  thou  in  whom  I  have 
Most  joy  and  most  affiance,  for  I  know 
What  thou  hast  been  in  battle  by  my  side, 
And  many  a  time  have  watch' d  thee  at  the  tilt 
Strike  down  the  lusty  and  long  practised  knight 
And  let  the  younger  and  unskill'd  go  by  1350 

To  win  his  honor  and  to  make  his  name, 
And  loved  thy  courtesies  and  thee,  a  man 
Made  to  be  loved ;  but  now  I  would  to  God, 
Seeing  the  "homeless  trouble  in  thine  eyes, 
Thou  couldst  have  loved  this  maiden,  shaped,  it  seems, 
By  God  for  thee  alone,  and  from  her  face. 
If  one  may  judge  the  living  by  the  dead. 
Delicately  pure  and  marvellously  fair, 
AVho  might  have  brought  thee,  now  a  lonely  man 
Wifeless  and  heirless,  noble  issue,  sons  1360 

Born  to  the  glory  of  thy  name  and  fame. 
My  knight,  the  great  Sir  Lancelot  of  the  Lake.' 

Then  answer'd  Lancelot:  'Fair  she  was,  my  King, 
Pure,  as  you  ever  wish  your  knights  to  be. 
To  doubt  her  fairness  were  to  °\vant  an  eye, 
To  doubt  her  pureness  were  to  want  a  heart  — 
Yea,  to  be  loved,  if  what  is  worthy  love 
Could  bind  him,  but  free  love  will  not  be  bound.' 


'Free  love,  so  bound,  were  freest,'  said  the  King. 
*Let  love  be  free;  free  love  is  for  the  best:  1370 

And,  after  heaven,  on  our  dull  side  of  death, 
What  should  be  best,  if  not  so  pure  a  love 
Clothed  in  so  pure  a  loveliness?  yet  thee 


LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  161 

She  fail'd  to  bind,  tlio'  being,  as  I  think, 
Unbound  as  yet,  and  gentle,  as  I  know. ' 

And  Lancelot  answer'd  nothing,  but  he  went, 
And  at  the  inrunning  of  a  little  brook 
Sat  by  the  river  in  a  cove,  and  watch'd 
The  high  reed  wave,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes 
And  saw  the  barge  that  brought  her  moving  down,      13b.. 
Far-off,  a  blot  upon  the  stream,  and  said 
Low  in  himself:  'Ah,  simple  heart  and  sweet. 
Ye  loved  me,  damsel,  surely  with  a  love 
Far  tenderer  than  my  Queen's.     Pray  for  thy  soul? 
Ay,  that  will  I.      Farewell  too  —  now  at  last  — 
Farewell,  fair  lily.     "Jealousy  in  love?" 
Not  rather  dead  love's  harsh  heir,  jealous  pride? 
Queen,  if  I  grant  the  jealousy  as  of  love. 
May  not  your  crescent  fear  for  name  and  fame 
Speak,  as  it  waxes,  of  a  love  that  wanes?  1390 

Why  did  the  King  dwell  on  my  name  to  me? 
Mine  own  name  shames  me,  seeming  a  reproach, 
Lancelot,  whom  the  Lady  of  the  Lake 
Caught  from  his  mother's  arms  —  the  wondrous  one 
Who  passes  thro'  the  vision  of  the  night  — 
She  chanted  snatches  of  mysterious  hymns 
Heard  on  the  winding  waters,  eve  and  morn 
She  kiss'd  me  saying,  "Thou  art  fair,  my  child, 
As  a  °king's  son,"  and  often  in  her  arms 
She  bare  me,  pacing  on  the  dusky  mere.  1400 

Would  she  liad  drown'd  me  in  it,  where'er  it  be! 
For  what  am  I?  what  profits  me  my  name 
Of  greatest  knight?     I  fought  for  it,  and  have  it: 
Pleasure  to  have  it,  none;  to  lose  it,  pain: 
Now  grown  a  part  of  me:  but  what  use  in  it? 
To  make  men  worse  by  making  my  sin  known? 
Or  sin  seem  less,  the  sinner  seeming  great? 

M 


162  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Alas  for  Arthur's  greatest  knight,  a  man 

Not  after  Arthur's  heart!     I  needs  must  break 

These  bonds  that  so  defame  me:  not  without  1410 

She  wills  it:  would  I,  if  she  will'd  it?  nay, 

Who  knows?  but  if  I  would  not,  then  may  God, 

I  pray  him,  send  a  sudden  angel  down 

To  seize  me  by  the  hair  and  bear  me  far, 

And  fling  me  deep  in  that  forgotten  mere, 

Among  the  tumbled  fragments  of  the  hills.' 

So  groan'd  Sir  Lancelot  in  remo'rseful  pain. 
Not  knowing  he  should  die  a  holy  man. 


THE   HOLY   GRAIL 

From  noiseful  arms,  and  acts  of  prowess  done 

In  tournament  or  tilt,  Sir  °Percivale 

Whom  Arthur  and  his  knighthood  call'd  the  Pure, 

Had  past  into  the  °silent  life  of  prayer. 

Praise,  fast,  and  alms ;  and  leaving  for  the  °cowl 

The  helmet  in  an  abbey  far  away 

From  Camelot,  there,  and  not  long  after,  died. 

And  one,  a  fellow-monk  among  the  rest, 
Ambrosius,  loved  him  much  beyond  the  rest, 
And  honor'd  him,  and  wrought  into  his  heart 
A  way  by  love  that  waken'd  love  within, 
To  answer  that  which  came :  and  as  they  sat 
Beneath  a  world-old  yew-tree,  darkening  half 
The  cloisters,  on  a  gustful  April  morn 
That  puft'd  the  swaying  branches  into  °smoke 
Above  them,  ere  the  summer  when  he  died, 
The  monk  Ambrosius  question'd  Percivale: 

'0  brother,  I  liave  seen  this  yew-tree  smoke, 
Spring  after  spring,  for  half  a  liundred  years; 
For  never  have  I  known  the  world  without, 
Nor  ever  stray'd  beyond  the  pale:  but  thee. 
When  first  thou  earnest  —  sucli  a  courtesy 
°Spake  thro'  the  limbs  and  in  the  voice  —  I  knew 
For  one  of  those  who  eat  in  Arthur's  hall; 
For  good  ye  are  and  bad,  and  like  to  coins, 

103 


164  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Some  true,  some  light,  but  every  oue  of  you 
Stamp'd  with  the  °image  of  the  King;  and  now 
Tell  me,  what  drove  thee  from  the  Table  Round, 
My  brother?  was  it  earthly  passion  crost? ' 

'Nay,'  said  the  knight;  'for  no  such  passion  mine.     30 
But  the  sweet  vision  of  the  Holy  Grail 
Drove  me  from  all  vainglories,  rivalries. 
And  earthly  heats  that  spring  and  sparkle  out 
Among  us  in  the  jousts,  while  women  watch 
Who  wins,  who  falls ;  and  waste  the  spiritual  strength 
Within  us,  better  offer'd  up  to  Heaven.' 

To  whom  the  monk:  'The  Holy  Grail!  —  I  trust 
We  are  °green  in  Heaven's  eyes;  but  here  too  much 
We  moulder  —  as  to  things  without  I  mean  — 
Yet  one  of  your  own  knights,  a  guest  of  ours,  40 

Told  us  of  this  in  our  ^refectory, 
But  spake  with  such  a  °sadness  and  so  low 
We  heard  not  half  of  what  he  said.     What  is  it? 
The  phantom  of  a  cup  that  comes  and  goes  ? ' 

'Nay,  monk!  what  phantom?'  answer'd  Percivale. 
'The  cup,  the  °cup  itself,  from  which  our  Lord 
Drank  at  the  last  sad  supper  with  his  own. 
This,  from  the  blessed  land  of  °Aromat  — 
After  the  °day  of  darkness,  when  the  dead 
Went  wandering  o'er  °Moriah  — the  good  saint  50 

Arimathsean  Joseph,  journeying  brought 
To  °Glastonbury,  where  the  winter  thorn 
Blossoms  at  Christmas,  mindful  of  our  Lord. 
And  there  awhile  it  bode;  and  if  a  man 
Could  touch  or  see  it,  he  was  heal'd  at  once. 
By  faith,  of  all  his  ills.     But  then  the  times 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  165 

Grew  to  such  evil  that  tlie  holy  cup 

Was  caught  away  to  heaven,  and  disappear'd.' 

To  whom  the  monk:  'From  our  old  books  I  know 
That  Joseph  came  of  old  to  Glastonbury,  60 

And  there  the  heathen  Prince,  °Arviragus, 
Gave  him  an- isle  of  marsh  whereon  to  build; 
And  there  he  built  with  °wattles  from  the  marsh 
A  little  lonely  church  in  days  of  yore, 
For  so  they  say,  these  books  of  ours,  but  seem 
Mute  of  this  °miracle,  far  as  I  have  read. 
But  who  first  saw  the  holy  thing  °to-day?  ' 

'A  woman,'  answer'd  Percivale,  'a  nun, 
And  one  no  further  off  in  blood  from  me 
Than  sister;  and  if  ever  holy  maid  70 

With  knees  of  adoration  wore  the  stone, 
A  holy  maid;  tho'  never  maiden  glow'd, 
But  that  was  in  her  earlier  maidenhood. 
With  such  a  fervent  flame  of  human  love. 
Which,  being  rudely  blunted,  glanced  and  shot 
Only  to  holy  things;  to  prayer  and  praise 
She  gave  herself,  to  fast  and  alms.     And  yet, 
Nun  as  she  was,  the  scandal  of  the  Court, 
Sin  against  Arthur  and  tlie  Table  Round, 
And  the  strange  sound  of  an  adulterous  race,  80 

Across  tlie  iron  grating  of  her  cell 
°Beat,  and  she  pray'd  and  fasted  all  the  more. 

'And  °he  to  whom  she  told  her  sins,  or  what 
Her  all  but  °utter  whiteness  held  for  sin, 
A  man  wellnigh  a  hundred  winters  old, 
Spake  often  with  her  of  the  Holy  Grail, 
A  legend  handed  down  thro'  five  or  six, 
And  each  of  these  a  hundred  winters  old. 


166  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

From  our  Lord's  time.     And  when  King  Arthur  made 

His  Table  Round,  and  all  men's  hearts  became  90 

Clean  for  a  season,  surely  he  had  thouglit 

That  now  the  Holy  Grail  would  come  again ; 

But  sin  broke  out.     Ah,  Christ,  that  it  would  come, 

And  heal  the  world  of  all  their  wickedness! 

*'0  Father!  "  ask'd  the  maiden,  "might  it  come 

To  me  by  prayer  and  fasting?"     "Nay,"  said  he, 

"I  know  not,  for  thy  heart  is  pure  as  snow." 

And  so  she  pray'd  and  fasted,  till  the  sun 

Shone,  and  the  wind  blew,  thro'  her,  and  I  thought 

She  might  have  risen  and  floated  when  I  saw  her.         100 

'For  on  a  day  she  sent  to  speak  with  me. 
And  when  she  came  to  speak,  beliold  her  eyes 
Beyond  my  knowing  of  them,  beautiful. 
Beyond  all  knowing  of  them,  wonderful, 
Beautiful  in  the  light  of  holiness! 
And  "0  my  brother  Percivale,"  she  said, 
"Sweet  brother,  I  have  seen  the  Holy  Grail: 
For,  waked  at  dead  of  night,  I  heard  a  sound 
As  of  a  silver  horn  from  o'er  the  hills 
Blown,  and  I  thought,  'It  is  not  Arthur's  use  no 

To  hunt  by  moonlight; '  and  the  slender  sound 
As  from  a  distance  beyond  distance  grew 
Coming  upon  me  —  O  never  harp  nor  horn. 
Nor  aught  we  blow  with  breath,  or  touch  with  hand, 
Was  like  that  music  as  it  came ;  and  then 
Stream'd  thro'  my  cell  a  cold  and  silver  beam, 
And  down  the  long  beam  stole  the  Holy  Grail, 
Eose-red  with  beatings  in  it,  as  if  ali-ve. 
Till  all  the  white  walls  of  my  cell  were  dyed 
With  rosy  colors  ^leaping  on  the  wall;  120 

A.nd  then  the  music  faded,  and  the  Grail 
Past,  and  the  beam  decay 'd,  and  from  the  walls 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  167 

The  rosy  quiverings  died  into  the  night. 

So  now  tlie  Holy  Thing  is  here  again 

Among  us,  brother,  fast  thou  too  and  pray, 

And  tell  thy  brother  knights  to  fast  and  pray, 

That  so  perchance  the  vision  may  be  seen 

By  thee  and  those,  and  all  the  world  be  °heal'd." 

'Then  leaving  the  pale  nun,  I  spake  of  this 
To  all  men;  and  myself  fasted  and  pray'd  130 

Always,  and  many  among  us  many  a  week 
Fasted  and  pra3''d  even  to  the  uttermost, 
Expectant  of  the  wonder  that  would  be. 

'And  one  there  was  among  us,  ever  moved 
Among  us  in  white  armor.  °Galahad. 
"  God  make  thee  good  as  thou  art  beautiful !  " 
Said  Arthur,  when  he  °dubbed  him  knight;  and  none 
In  so  young  youth  was  ever  made  a  knight 
Till  Galahad;  and  this  Galahad,  when  he  heard 
My  sister's  vision,  hll'd  me  with  amaze;  140 

His  eyes  became  so  like  her  own,  they  seem'd 
Hers,  and  himself  her  brother  more  than  I. 

'Sister  or  brother  none  had  he;  but  some 
Call'd  him  a  son  of  Lancelot,  and  some  said 
Begotten  by  enchantment  —  chatterers  they, 
Like  birds  of  passage  piping  up  and  down, 
That  gape  for  flies  —  we  know  not  whence  they  come; 
For  when  was  Lancelot  wanderingl}'  lewd? 

'But  she,  the  wan  sweet  maiden,  shore  away 
Clean  from  her  forehead  all  that  wealth  of  hair  150 

AYhich  made  a  °silken  mat-work  for  her  feet; 
And  out  of  this  she  plaited  broad  and  long 
A  strong  sword-belt,  and  wove  with  silver  thread 


168  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  crimson  in  the  belt  a  strange  device, 

A  crimson  grail  within  a  silver  beam; 

And  saw  the  bright  boy-knight,  and  bound  it  on  him, 

Saying :  "  My  knight,  my  love,  my  knight  of  heaven, 

0  thou,  my  love^  whose  love  is  one  with  mine, 

I,  maiden,  round  thee,  maiden,  bind  my  belt. 

Go  forth,  for  thou  shalt  see  what  I  have  seen,  i6o 

And  break  thro'  all,  till  one  °will  crown  thee  king 

Far  in  the  spiritual  city : "  and  as  she  spake 

She  sent  the  deathless  passion  in  her  e3^es 

Thro'  him,  and  made  him  hers,  and  laid  her  mind 

On  him,  and  he  believed  in  her  belief. 

'Then  came  a  year  of  miracle:  0  brother. 
In  our  great  hall  there  stood  a  vacant  chair. 
Fashion' d  by  Merlin  ere  he  °past  away, 
And  carven  with  strange  figures ;  and  in  and  out 
The  figures,  like  a  serpent,  ran  a  °scroll  170 

Of  letters  in  a  tongue  no  man  could  read. 
And  Merlin  call'd  it  "the  °Siege  Perilous," 
Perilous  for  good  and  ill;  "for  there,"  he  said, 
"No  man  could  sit  but  he  should  lose  himself:  " 
And  once  by  misadvertence  Merlin  sat 
In  his  own  chair,  and  so  was  lost;  but  he, 
Galahad,  when  he  heard  of  Merlin's  doom, 
Cried,  "If  I  lose  myself,  I  save  myself!  " 

'Then  on  a  summer  night  it  came  to  pass, 
While  the  great  banquet  la}'  along  the  hall,  180 

That  Galahad  would  sit  down  in  Merlin's  chair. 

'And  all  at  once,  as  there  we  sat,  we  heard 
A  cracking  and  a  riving  of  the  roofs. 
And  rending,  and  a  blast,  and  overhead 
Thunder,  and  in  the  thunder  was  a  cry. 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  169 

A-Dcl  in  the  blast  there  smote  along  the  hall 

A  beam  of  light  seven  times  more  clear  than  day; 

And  down  the  long  beam  stole  the  Holy  Grail 

All  over  covered  with  a  luminous  cloud, 

And  none  might  see  who  bare  it,  and  it  past.  19a 

But  every  knight  beheld  his  fellow's  face 

As  in  a  glory,  and  all  the  knights  arose, 

And  staring  each  at  other  like  dumb  men 

Stood,  till  I  found  a  voice  and  sware  a  vow. 

'I  sware  a  vow  before  them  all,  that  I, 
Because  I  had  not  seen  the  Grail,  would  ride 
A  °twelvemontli  and  a  day  in  quest  of  it, 
Until  I  found  and  saw  it,  as  the  nun 
My  sister  saw  it;  and  Galahad  sware  the  vow. 
And  good  Sir  Bors,  our  Lancelot's  °cousin,  sware,        200 
And  Lancelot  sware,  and  many  among  the  knights. 
And  Gawain  sware,  and  louder  than  the  rest.' 

Then  spake  the  monk  Ambrosius,  asking  him. 
•What  said  the  King?     Did  Arthur  take  the  vow?  * 

'Xay,  for  my  lord,'  said  Percivale,  ^the  King, 
Was  not  in  hall :  for  early  that  same  day, 
Scaped  thro'  a  cavern  from  a  bandit  hold 
An  outraged  maiden  sprang  into  the  hall 
Crying  on  help :  for  all  her  shining  hair 
Was  smear'd  with  earth,  and  either  milk}-  arm  210 

Red-rent  with  hooks  of  bramble,  and  all  she  wore 
Torn  as  a  sail  that  leaves  the  rope  is  torn 
In  tempest :  so  the  King  arose  and  went 
To  smoke  the  scandalous  hive  of  those  wild  bees 
That  made  such  honey  in  his  realm.     Howbeit  • 

Some  little  of  this  marvel  he  too  saw. 
Returning  o'er  the  plain  that  then  began 


170  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

To  darken  under  Canielot;  whence  the  King 

Look'd  up,  calling  aloud,  "Lo,  there!  the  roofs 

Of  our  great  hall  are  roll'd  in  thunder-smoke!  220 

Pray  Heaven,  they  be  not  smitten  by  the  bolt ! " 

For  dear  to  Arthur  was  that  hall  of  ours, 

As  having  there  so  oft  with  all  his  knights 

Feasted,  and  as  the  stateliest  under  heaven. 

'0  brother,  had  you  known  our  mighty  hall, 
Which  Merlin  built  for  Arthur  long  ago! 
For  all  the  sacred  mount  of  Camelot, 
And  all  the  °dim  rich  city,  roof  by  roof. 
Tower  after  tower,  spire  beyond  spire. 
By  grove,  and  garden-lawn,  and  rushing  brook,  230 

Climbs  to  the  mighty  hall  that  Merlin  built. 
And  four  great  °zones  of  sculpture,  set  betwixt 
With  many  a  mystic  symbol,  gird  the  hall : 
And  in  the  lowest  beasts  are  slaying  men. 
And  in  the  second  men  are  slaying  beasts, 
And  on  the  third  are  warriors,  perfect  men, 
And  on  the  fourth  are  men  with  growing  wings, 
And  over  all  one  statue  in  the  mould 
Of  Arthur,  made  by  Merlin,  with  a  crown, 
And  peak'd  wings  pointed  to  the  Northern  Star.  240 

And  eastward  fronts  the  statue,  and  the  crown 
And  both  the  wings  are  made  of  gold,  and  flame 
At  sunrise  till  the  people  in  far  fields, 
Wasted  so  often  by  the  heathen  hordes. 
Behold  it,  crying,  "We  have  still  a  king." 

'And,  brother,  had  you  known  our  hall  within, 
Broader  and  higher  than  any  in  all  the  lands! 
Where  twelve  great  windows  blazon  Arthur's  wars, 
And  all  the  light  that  falls  upon  the  board 
Streams  thro'  the  twelve'  great  °battles  of  our  King.     250 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  171 

Nay,  one  there  is,  and  at  tlie  eastern  end, 

Wealthy  with  wandering  lines  of  mount  and  mere, 

Where  Arthur  °linds  the  brand  Excalibur. 

And  also  one  to  the  west,  and  °counter  to  it, 

And  blank:  and  who  shall  blazon  it?  when  and  how? — • 

O,  there,  perchance,  when  all  our  wars  are  done, 

The  brand  Excalibur  will  be  cast  away ! 

'So  to  this  hill  full  quickly  rode  the  King, 
In  horror  lest  the  work  by  Merlin  wrought. 
Dreamlike,  should  on  the  sudden  vanisli,  wrapt  260 

In  unremorseful  folds  of  rolling  fire. 
And  in  he  rode,  and  up  I  glanced,  and  saw 
The  °golden  dragon  sparkling  over  all; 
And  many  of  those  who  burnt  the  °hold,  their  arms 
HackVl,  and  their  foreheads  grimed  with  smoke  and  sear'd, 
Followed,  and  in  among  bright  faces,  ours, 
Full  of  the  vision,  i)rest:  and  then  the  King 
Spake  to  me,  being  nearest,  "Percivale,"  — 
Because  the  hall  was  all  in  tumult  —  some 
Vowing,  and  some  protesting,  — "what  is  this?"  270 

'0  brother,  when  I  told  him  what  had  chanced. 
My  sister's  vision  and  the  rest,  his  face 
Darkened,  as  I  have  seen  it  more  than  once. 
When  some  brave  deed  seem'd  to  be  done  in  vain, 
"Darken;  and  "Woe  is  me,  my  knights,"  he  cried, 
"Had  I  been  here,  ye  had  not  sworn  the  vow." 
Bold  was  mine  answer,  "  Had  thyself  been  here, 
My  King,  thou  wouldst  have  sworn."  "  Yea,  yea, *'  said  he, 
"Art  thou  so  bold  and  hast  not  seen  the  Grail?" 

'"Nay,  lord,  I  heard  the  sound,  I  saw  the  light,       280 
But  since  I  did  not  see  the  holy  thing, 
I  sware  a  vow  to  follow  it  till  I  saw." 


172  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

'Then  when  he  ask'cl  us,  knight  by  knight,  if  any 
Had  seen  it,  all  their  answers  were  as  one : 
"Nay,  lord,  and  therefore  have  we  sworn  our  vows." 

*"Lo,  now,"  said  Arthur,  "have  ye  seen  a  cloud? 
°What  go  ye  into  the  wilderness  to  see?" 

'Then  Galahad  on  the  sudden,  and  in  a  voice 
Shrilling  along  the  hall  to  Arthur,  call'd, 
"But  I,  Sir  Arthur,  savv^  the  Holy  Grail,  290 

I  saw  the  Holy  Grail  and  heard  a  cry  — 
*0  Galahad,  and  O  Galahad,  follow  me."  ' 

'"Ah,  Galahad,  Galahad,"  said  the  King,  "for  such 
As  thou  art  is  the  vision,  not  for  these. 
Thy  holy  nun  and  thou  have  seen  a  sign  — 
Holier  is  none,  my  Percivale.  than  she  — 
A  sign  to  maim  this  Order  which  I  made. 
But  ye  that  follow  but  the  leader's  bell."  — 
Brother,  the  King  was  hard  upon  his  knights,  — 
°"'Taliessin  is  our  fullest  throat  of  song,  300 

And  one  hath  sung  and  all  the  dumb  will  sing. 
Lancelot  is  Lancelot,  and  hath  overborne 
Five  knights  at  once,  and  every  younger  knight, 
Unproven,  holds  himself  as  Lancelot, 
Till  overborne  by  one,  he  learns  —  and  ye. 
What  are  ye?     Galahads?' — no,  nor  Percivales  "  — 
For  thus  it  pleased  the  King  to  °range  me  close 
After  Sir  Galahad;  —  "nay,"  said  he,  "but  men 
With  strength  and  will  to  right  the  wrong'd,  of  power 
To  lay  the  sudden  heads  of  violence  flat,  310 

Knights  that  in  twelve  great  battles  splash'd  and  dyed 
The  strong  °White  Horse  in  his  own  heathen  blood  — 
But  one  hath  seen,  and  all  the  blind  will  see. 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  173 

Go,  since  your  vows  are  sacred,  being  made: 

Yet  —  for  ye  know  tlie  cries  of  all  ni}'  realm 

Pass  thro'  this  hall  —  how  often,  O  my  knights, 

Your  places  being  vacant  at  my  side, 

This  chance  of  noble  deeds  will  come  and  go 

Unchallenged,  while  ye  follow  "wandering  fires 

Lost  in  the  °quagmirel     Many  of  you,  yea  most,  320 

Eeturn  no  more:  ye  think  I  show  myself 

Too  dark  a  prophet :  come  now,  let  us  meet 

The  morrow  morn  once  more  in  one  full  field 

Of  gracious  pastime,  that  once  more  the  King 

Before  \q  leave  him  for  this  quest,  may  count 

The  yet-unbroken  strength  of  all  his  knights. 

Rejoicing  in  that  Order  which  he  made." 

'So  when  the  sun  broke  next  from  underground, 
All  the  great  Table  of  our  Arthur  closed 
And  clash'd  in  such  a  tourney  and  so  full,  330 

So  many  lances  broken  —  never  yet 
Had  Camelot  seen  the  like  since  Arthur  came; 
And  I  myself  and  Galahad,  for  a  strength 
Was  in  us  from  tlie  vision,  overthrew 
So  many  knights  that  all  the  people  cried, 
And  almost  burst  the  barriers  in  their  heat. 
Shouting,  "  Sir  Galahad  and  Sir  Percivale!  " 


'But  when  the  next  day  brake  from  underground  — 
0  brother,  had  you  known  our  Camelot, 
Built  by  old  kings,  age  after  age.  so  old  340 

The  King  himself  had  fears  that  it  would  fall. 
So  strange,  and  rich,  and  dim ;  for  wliere  the  roofs 
Totter'd  toward  each  other  in  the  sky, 
IMet  foreheads  all  along  the  street  of  those 
Who  watch'd  us  pass;  and  lower,  and  where  the  long 


174  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Eich  galleries,  lady-laden,  weigli'd  the  necks 

Of  dragons  clinging  to  tlie  crazy  walls, 

Thicker  than  drops  from  thunder,  showers  of  flowers 

Fell  as  we  past;  and  men  and  boys  astride 

On  °wyveru,  lion,  dragon,  griffin,  swan,  35c 

At  all  the  corners,  named  us  each  by  name, 

Calling  "  God  speed! ''  but  in  the  ways  below 

The  knights  and  ladies  wept,  and  rich  and  poor 

Wept,  and  the  King  himself  could  hardly  speak 

For  grief,  and  all  in  middle  street  the  Queen, 

Who  rode  by  Lancelot,  wail'd  and  shriek'd  aloud, 

"This  madness  has  come  on  us  for  our  sins." 

So  to  the  Gate  of  the  Three  Queens  we  came. 

Where  Arthur's  wars  are  render'd  mystically, 

And  thence  departed  every  one  his  way.  360 

'And  I  was  lifted  up  in  heart,  and  thought 
Of  all  my  late-shown  prowess  in  the  lists. 
How  my  strong  lance  had  beaten  down  the  knights 
So  many  and  famous  names;  and  never  yet 
Had  heaven  appeared  so  blue,  nor  earth  so  green, 
For  all  my  blood  danced  in  me,  and  I  knew 
That  I  should  light  upon  the  Holy  Grail. 

'Thereafter,  the  dark  warning  of  our  King, 
That  most  of  us  would  follow  wandering  fires, 
Came  like  a  driving  gloom  across  my  mind.  370 

Then  every  evil  word  I  had  spoken  once. 
And  every  evil  thought  I  had  thought  of  old, 
And  every  evil  deed  I  ever  did. 
Awoke  and  cried,  "This  quest  is  not  for  thee." 
And  lifting  up  mine  eyes,  1  found  myself 
Alone,  and  in  a  land  of  sand  and  thorns, 
And  I  was  thirsty  even  unto  death; 
And  I,  too,  cried,  "This  quest  is  not  for  thee." 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  175 

'And  on  I  rode,  and  when  1  thought  my  thirst 
vTould  slay  me,  saw  deep  °lawns,  and  then  a  brook,     380 
With  one  sharp  rapid,  where  the  °crisping  white 
Play'd  ever  back  upon  the  sloping  wave 
And  took  both  ear  and  eye;  and  o'er  the  brook 
Were  apple-trees,  and  apples  by  the  brook 
Fallen,  and  on  the  lawns.     "I  will  rest  here," 
I  said,  '■'  I  am  not  worthy  ol  the  quest ; '' 
But  even  while  I  drank  the  brook,  and  ate 
The  goodly  apples,  all  these  things  at  once 
Fell  into  dust,  and  I  was  left  alone 
And  thirsting  in  a  land  of  sand  and  thorns.  390 

'And  then  behold  a  woman  at  a  door 
Spinning;  and  fair  the  house  whereby  she  sat, 
And  kind  the  w^oman's  eyes  and  innocent, 
And  all  her  bearing  gracious;  and  she  rose 
Opening  her  arms  to  meet  me,  as  who  should  say, 
"Eest  here;"  but  when  I  touched  her,  lo!  she,  too, 
Fell  into  dust  and  nothing,  and  the  house 
Became  no  better  than  a  broken  shed. 
And  in  it  a  dead  babe ;  and  also  this 
Fell  into  dust,  and  I  w^as  left  alone.  400 

'And  on  I  rode,  and  greater  was  my  thirst. 
Then  flash'd  a  3'ellow  gleam  across  the  world, 
And  where  it  smote  the  plowshare  in  the  tield 
The  plowman  left  his  plowing  and  fell  down 
Before  it;  where  it  glitter'd  on  her  pail 
The  milkmaid  left  her  milking,  and  fell  down 
Before  it,  and  I  knew  not  why,  but  thought 
"The  sun  is  rising,"  tho'  the  sun  had  risen. 
Then  was  I  ware  of  one  that  on  me  moved 
In  golden  armor  with  a  crown  of  gold  410 


176  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

About  a  casque  all  jewels,  and  his  horse 

In  golden  armor  jewelled  everywhere: 

And  on  the  splendor  came,  flashing  me  blind, 

And  seem'd  to  me  the  lord  of  all  the  world. 

Being  so  huge.     But  when  I  thought  he  meant 

Tc  crush  me,  moving  on  me,  lo !  he,  too, 

OpenM  his  arms  to  embrace  me  as  he  came, 

And  up  I  went  and  touch'd  him,  and  he,  too, 

Fell  into  dust,  and  I  was  left  alone 

And  wearying  in  a  land  of  sand  and  thorns.  42c 


'And  I  rode  on  and  found  a  mighty  hill, 
And  on  the  top  a  city  wall'd:  the  spires 
Prick'd  with  "incredible  pinnacles  into  heaven. 
And  by  the  gateway  stirr'd  a  crowd;  and  these 
Cried  to  me  climbing,  "Welcome,  Percivale! 
Thou  mightiest  and  thou  purest  among  men! " 
And  glad  was  I  and  clomb,  but  found  at  top 
Xo  man,  or  any  voice.     And  thence  I  past 
Far  thro'  a  ruinous  city,  and  I  saw 

That  man  had  once  dwelt  there;  but  there  I  found       430 
Only  one  man  of  an  exceeding  age. 
''Where  is  that  goodly  company,^'  said  I, 
"That  so  cried  out  upon  me?^'  and  he  had 
Scarce  any  voice  to  answer,  and  yet  gasp'd, 
"Whence  and  what  art  thou?"  and  even  as  he  spoke 
Fell  into  dust  and  disappear'd,  and  I 
Was  left  alone  once  more  and  cried  in  grief, 
"Lo,  if  I  find  the  Holy  Grail  itself 
And  touch  it,  it  will  crumble  into  dust!  " 

'And  thence  I  dropt  into  a  lowly  vale,  440 

Low  as  the  hill  was  high,  and  where  the  vale 
Was  lowest  found  a  chapel,  and  thereby 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  111 

A  holy  hermit  in  a  hermitage, 

To  whom  I  told  my  phantoms,  and  he  said: 

'^"0  son,  thou  hast  not  true  humility, 
The  highest  virtue,  mother  of  them  all; 
For  when  the  Lord  of  all  tilings  made  Himself 
Xaked  of  glory  for  his  mortal  change, 
'Take  thou  my  robe,'  she  said,  'for  all  is  thine,' 
And  all  her  form  shone  fortli  with  sudden  light  450 

So  that  the  angels  were  amazed,  and  slie 
Follow'd  Him  down,  and  like  a  flying  star 
Led  on  the  gray-hair'd  °\visdom  of  the  east; 
But  her  thou  hast  not  known:  for  what  is  this 
Thou  thoughtest  of  thy  prowess  and  thy  sins? 
Thou  hast  not  lost  thyself  to  save  thyself 
As  Galahad."     When  the  hermit  made  an  end. 
In  silver  armor  suddenly  Galahad  shone 
Before  us,  and  against  tlie  chapel  door 
Laid  lance  and  enterM,  and  we  knelt  in  prayer.  460 

And  there  the  hermit  slaked  m}*  burning  thirst, 
And  at  the  °sacring  of  the  mass  I  saw 
The  holy  elements  alone ;  but  he, 
"Saw  ye  no  more?     I,  Galahad,  saw  the  Grail, 
The  Holy  Grail,  descend  upon  the  shrine: 
I  saw  the  fiery  face  as  of  a  child 
That  smote  itself  into  the  bread  and  went; 
And  hitlier  am  I  come;  and  never  yet 
Hath  what  thy  sister  taught  me  first  to  see, 
This  hol}^  thing,  fail'd  from  m}^  side,  nor  come  470 

Cover'd,  but  moving  with  me  night  and  day. 
Fainter  by  day,  but  always  in  the  night 
Blood-red,  and  sliding  down  the  blacken 'd  marsh 
Blood-red,  and  on  the  naked  mountain  top 
Blood-red,  and  in  the  sleeping  mere  below 
Blood-red.     And  in  the  strength  of  this  I  rode. 


178  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Shattering  all  evil  customs  everywhere, 

And  past  thro'  °Pagan  realms,  and  made  them  mine, 

And  clash'd  with  Pagan  hordes,  and  bore  them  down. 

And  broke  thro'  all,  and  in  the  strength  of  this  480 

Come  victor.     But  my  time  is  hard  at  hand. 

And  hence  I  go;  and  one  will  crown  me  king 

Far  in  the  spiritual  city ;  and  come  thou,  too, 

For  thou  shalt  see  the  vision  when  I  go." 

'While  thus  he  spake,  his  eye,  dwelling  on  mine, 
Drew  me,  with  power  upon  me,  till  I  grew 
One  with  him,  to  believe  as  he  believed. 
Then  when  the  day  began  to  wane,  we  went. 

'  There  rose  a  hill  tliat  none  but  man  could  climb, 
Scarr'd  with  a  hundred  wintry  water-courses  —  490 

Storm  at  the  top,  and  when  we  gain'd  it,  storm 
Round  us  and  death;  for  every  moment  glanced 
His  silver  arms  and  gloom'd:  so  quick  and  thick 
The  lightnings  here  and  there  to  left  and  right 
Struck,  till  the  dry  old  trunks  about  us,  dead, 
Yea,  rotten  with  a  hundred  j-ears  of  death. 
Sprang  into  fire :  and  at  the  base  we  found 
On  either  hand,  as  far  as  eye  could  see^ 
A  great  black  swamp  and  of  an  evil  smell, 
Part  black,  part  whiten'd  with  the  bones  of  men,  500 

Not  to  be  crost,  save  tliat  some  ancient  king 
Had  built  a  way,  where,  link'd  with  many  a  bridge, 
A  thousand  piers  ran  into  the  great  Sea. 
And  Galahad  fled  along  them  bridge  by  bridge, 
And  every  bridge  as  quickly  as  he  crost 
Sprang  into  fire  and  vanish'd,  tho'  I  yearned 
To  follow;  and  thrice  above  iiim  all  the  heavens 
Open'd  and  °blazed  with  thunder  such  as  seem'd 
Shoutings  of  all  the  sons  of  God :  and  first 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  179 

At  once  I  saw  him  far  on  the  great  Sea,  510 

In  silver-shining  armor  starry-clear; 

And  o'er  his  head  the  Holy  Vessel  hung 

Clothed  in  white  samite  or  a  luminous  cloud. 

And  with  exceeding  swiftness  ran  the  boat, 

If  boat  it  were  —  I  saw  not  whence  it  came. 

And  when  the  heavens  open'd  and  blazed  again 

Roaring,  I  saw  him  like  a  silver  star  — 

And  had  he  set  the  sail,  or  had  tlie  boat 

Become  a  living  creature  clad  with  wings? 

And  o'er  his  head  the  Holy  Vessel  hung  520 

Redder  than  any  rose,  a  joy  to  me, 

For  now  I  knew  the  veil  had  been  withdrawn. 

Then  in  a  moment  when  they  blazed  again 

Opening,  I  saw  the  least  of  little  stars 

Down  on  the  waste,  and  straight  beyond  the  star 

J  saw  the  spiritual  city  and  all  her  spires 

And  gateways  in  a  glory  like  one  pearl  — 

No  larger,  tho'  the  goal  of  all  the  saints  — 

Strike  from  the  sea;  and  from  the  star  there  shot 

A  rose-red  sparkle  to  the  cit}^,  and  there  530 

Dwelt,  and  I  knew  it  was  the  Holy  Grail, 

Which  never  eyes  on  earth  again  shall  see. 

Then  fell  the  floods  of  heav^en  drowning  the  deep, 

And  how  my  feet  recrost  the  death ful  ridge 

No  memory  in  me  lives;  but  that  I  touch'd 

The  chapel-doors  at  daw^n  I  know;  and  thence 

Taking  my  war-horse  from  the  holy  man, 

Glad  that  no  phantom  vext  me  more,  return'd 

To  whence  I  came,  the  gate  of  Arthur's  wars.' 

'0  brother,'  ask'd  Ambrosius,  —  ''for  in  sooth  540 

These  ancient  books  —  and  they  would  win  thee  —  teem. 
Only  I  find  not  there  this  Holy  Grail, 
With  miracles  and  marvels  like  to  these, 


180  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Not  all  °unlike;  which  oftentime  I  read, 

Who  read  but  on  my  °breviary  with  ease, 

Till  my  head  swims,  and  then  go  forth  and  pass 

Down  to  the  little  °thorpe  that  lies  so  close, 

And  almost  plaster'd  like  a  martin's  nest 

To  these  old  walls  —  and  mingle  with  our  folk; 

And  knowing  every  honest  face  of  theirs  55? 

As  well  as  ever  shepherd  knew  his  sheep, 

And  every  homely  secret  in  their  hearts, 

Delight  myself  with  gossip  and  old  wives. 

And  ills  and  aches,  and  teethings,  lyings-in. 

And  mirthful  sayings,  children  of  the  place, 

That  have  no  meaning  half  a  league  away; 

Or  lulling  random  squabbles  when  they  rise, 

Chafferings  and  chatterings  at  the  market-cross, 

Rejoice,  °small  man,  in  this  small  world  of  mine, 

Yea,  even  in  their  hens  and  in  their  eggs  —  560 

0  brother,  saving  this  Sir  Galahad, 

Came  ye  on  none  but  phantoms  in  your  quest, 

No  man,  no  woman?' 

Then  Sir  Percivale; 
'All  men,  to  one  so  bound  by  such  a  vow. 
And  women  were  as  phantoms.     0,  my  brother, 
Why  wilt  thou  shame  me  to  confess  to  thee 
How  far  I  falter'd  from  my  quest  and  vow? 
For  after  I  had  lain  so  many  nights, 
A  bed-mate  of  the  snail  and  °eft  and  snake. 
In  grass  and  burdock,  I  was  changed  to  wan  570 

And  meagre,  and  the  vision  had  not  come; 
And  tlien  I  chanced  upon  a  goodly  town 
With  one  great  dwelling  in  the  middle  of  it. 
Thither  I  made,  and  there  was  I  disarm'd 
By  maidens  each  as  fair  as  any  flower; 
But  when  they  led  me  into  hall,  behold, 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  181 

The  princess  of  that  castle  was  the  qne, 

Brother,  and  that  one  only,  who  had  ever 

Made  my  heart  leap;  for  when  I  moved  of  old 

A  slender  page  about  her  father's  hall,  580 

And  she  a  slender  maiden,  all  my  heart 

Went  after  her  with  longing,  yet  we  twain 

Had  never  kiss'd  a  kiss  or  vow'd  a  vow. 

And  now  I  came  upon  her  once  again. 

And  one  had  wedded  her,  and  he  was  dead, 

And  all  his  land  and  wealth  and  state  were  hers. 

And  while  I  tarried,  every  day  she  set 

A  banquet  richer  than  the  day  before 

By  me,  for  all  her  longing  and  her  will 

Was  toward  me  as  of  old ;  till  one  fair  morn,  590 

I  walking  to  and  fro  beside  a  stream 

That  flashed  across  her  orchard  underneath 

Her  castle-walls,  she  stole  upon  my  walk. 

And  calling  me  the  greatest  of  all  "knights, 

Embraced  me,  and  so  kiss'd  me  the  first  time. 

And  gave  herself  and  all  her  wealth  to  me. 

Then  I  remember'd  Arthur's  warning  word. 

That  most  of  us  would  follow  wandering  fires, 

And  the  quest  faded  in  my  heart.     Anon, 

The  °hecids  of  all  her  people  drew  to  me,  600 

With  supplication  both  of  knees  and  tongue: 

"  We  have  heard  of  thee :  thou  art  our  greatest  knight, 

Our  Lady  says  it,  and  we  well  believe : 

Wed  thou  our  Lady,  and  rule  over  us. 

And  thou  shalt  be  as  Arthur  in  our  laud." 

0  °me,  my  brother!  but  one  night  my  vow 

Burnt  me  within,  so  tliat  I  rose  and  tied, 

But  wail'd  and  wept,  and  liated  mine  own  self. 

And  even  the  holy  quest,  and  all  but  her; 

Then  after  I  was  join'd  with  Galahad  6x0 

Cared  not  for  her  nor  anything  upon  earth.' 


182  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Then  said  the  iiioiik.   'Poor  men,  when  yule  is  cold, 
Must  be  content  to  sit  by  little  tires. 
And  this  am  I,  so  that  ye  care  for  me 
Ever  so  little;  yea,  and  blest  be  Heaven 
That  brought  thee  here  to  this  poor  house  of  ours 
Where  all  the  brethren  are  so  hard,  to  warm 
My  cold  heart  with  a  friend  •  but  0  the  pity 
To  find  thine  own  first  love  once  more  —  to  hold, 
Hold  her  a  wealthy  bride  within  thine  arms,  62c 

(Jr  all  but  hold,  and  then  —  cast  her  aside, 
Foregoing  all  her  sweetness,  like  a  weed! 
For  we  that  want  the  warmth  of  double  life. 
We  that  are  plagued  with  dreams  of  something  sweet 
Beyond  a'a  sweetness  in  a  life  so  rich,  — 
Ah,  blessed  Lord,  1  speak  too  earthly-wise, 
Seeing  I  never  stray'd  beyond  the  cell. 
But  live  like  an  old  badger  in  his  earth, 
With  earth  about  him  everywhere,  despite 
All  fast  and  penance.     Saw  ye  none  beside,  630 

None  of  your  knights?  ' 

'Yea,  so,'  said  Percivale: 
'  One  night  my  pathway  swerving  east,  I  saw 
The  pelican  on  the  casque  of  our  Sir  Bors 
All  in  the  middle  of  the  rising  moon. 
And  toward  him  spurr'd,  and  hail'd  him,  and  he  me. 
And  each  made  joy  of  either;  then  he  ask'd: 
"  Where  is  he?  hast  thou  seen  him  —  Lancelot  ?  —  Once," 
Said  good  Sir  Bors,  "he  dash'd  across  me  —  mad. 
And  "maddening  what  he  rode;  and  when  I  cried, 
'  Ridest  thou  then  so  hotly  on  a  quest  640 

So  holy?'  Lancelot  shouted,  'Stay  me  not! 
I  have  been  the  sluggard,  and  I  ride  apace, 
For  now  there  is  a  lion  in  the  way ! ' 
So  vanish'd." 


THE   HOLY    GRAIL  183 

'Then  Sir  Bors  had  ridden  on 
Softly,  and  sorrowing  for  our  Lancelot, 
Because  his  former  °madness,  once  the  talk 
And  scandal  of  our  table,  had  return'd; 
For  Lancelot's  °l£ith  and  kin  so  worship  him 
That  ill  to  him  is  ill  to  them,  to  Bors 
Beyond  the  rest :  he  well  had  been  content  650 

Xot  to  have  seen,  so  Lancelot  might  have  seen, 
The  °Holy  Cup  of  healing;  and,  indeed, 
Being  so  clouded  with  his  grief  and  love, 
Small  heart  was  his  after  the  holy  quest; 
If  God  would  send  the  vision,  well;   if  not. 
The  quest  and  be  were  in  the  hands  of  Heaven. 

^  And  then,  with  small  adventure  met,  Sir  Bors 
Kode  to  the  lonest  tract  of  all  the  realm, 
And  found  a  people  there  among  their  crags, 
Our  race  and  blood,  a  remnant  that  were  left  66a 

Taynim  amid  their  circles,  and  the  stones 
They  °pitch  up  straight  to  heaven;  and  their  wise  men 
Were  strong  in  that  °old  magic  which  can  trace 
The  wandering  of  the  stars,  and  scoff'd  at  him 
And  this  high  quest  as  at  a  simple  thing, 
Told  him  he  follow'd  —  almost  Arthur's  words  — 
A  mocking  fire:  "  what  other  fire  than  °he 
Whereby  the  blood  beats,  and  the  blossom  blows, 
And  the  sea  rolls,  and  all  the  world  is  warm'd?" 
And  when  his  answer  °chafed  them,  the  rough  crowd.  67a 
Hearing  he  had  a  difference  with  their  priests. 
Seized  him,  and  bound  and  plunged  him  into  a  cell 
Of  great  piled  stones;  and  lying  bounden  there 
In  darkness  thro'  innumerable  hours 
He  heard  the  hollow-ringing  heavens  sweep 
Over  him  till  by  miracle  —  what  else?  — 
Heavy  as  it  was  a  great  stone  slipt  and  fell, 


184  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Such  as  no  wind  could  move;  and  thro'  the  gap 

Glimmer'd  the  streaming  °scud:  then  came  a  night 

Still  as  the  day  was  loud,  and  through  the  gap  680 

The  seven  clear  stars  of  Arthur's  Table  Eound  — 

For,  brother,  so  one  night,  because  they  roll 

Thro'  such  a  round  in  heaven,  we  named  the  stars, 

Rejoicing  in  ourselves  and  in  our  King  — 

And  these,  like  bright  eyes  of  familiar  friends, 

In  on  him  shone:  "And  then  to  me,  to  m*e," 

Said  good  Sir  Bors,  "beyond  all  hopes  of  mine. 

Who  scarce  had  pray'd  or  ask'd  it  for  myself  — 

Across  the  seven  clear  stars  —  0  grace  to  me!  — 

In  color  like  the  lingers  of  a  hand  690 

Before  a  burning  taper,  the  sweet  Grail 

Glided  and  past,  and  close  upon  it  peal'd 

A  sharp  quick  thunder."     Afterwards,  a  maid, 

Who  kept  our  holy  faith  among  her  kin 

In  secret,  entering,  loosed  and  let  him  go.' 

To  whom  the  monk :    '  And  I  remember  now 
That  pelican  on  the  casque:   Sir  Bors  it  was 
Who  spake  so  low  and  sadly  at  our  board; 
And  mighty  reverent  at  our  grace  was  he: 
A  square-set  man  and  honest;  and  his  eyes,  700 

An  outdoor  sign  of  all  the  warmth  within. 
Smiled  with  his  lips  —  a  smile  beneath  a  cloud. 
But  heaven  had  meant  it  for  a  sunny  one : 
Ay,  ay,  Sir  Bors,  who  else?     But  when  ye  reach'd 
The  city,  found  ye  all  your  knights  return'd, 
Or  was  there  sooth  in  Arthur's  prophecy. 
Tell  me,  and  what  said  each,  and  what  the  King  ? ' 

Then  answer'd  Percivale :   '  And  tliat  can  I, 
Brother,  and  truly;  since  the  living  words 
Of  so  great  men  as  Lancelot  and  our  King  710 


THE    HOLY    (J RAIL  185 

Pass  not  from  door  to  door  and  out  again, 
But  sit  within  the  house.     O,  when  we  reacli'd 
The  city,  our  horses  stumbling  as  they  trode 
On  °heaps  of  ruin,  hornless  unicorns, 
Crack'd  basilisks,  and  splinter'd  cockatrices. 
And  shatter'd  talbots,  whicli  had  left  the  stones 
Raw  that  they  fell  from,  brought  us  to  the  hall. 

^  And  there  sat  Arthur  on  the  dais-throne. 
And  those  that  had  gone  out  upon  the  quest, 
Wasted  and  worn,  and  but  a  tithe  of  them,  720 

And  those  that  had  not,  stood  before  the  King, 
Who,  when  he  saw  me,  rose  and  bade  me  °hail, 
Saying:  "A  welfare  in  thine  eyes  reproves 
Our  fear  of  some  disastrous  chance  for  thee 
On  hill  or  plain,  at  sea  or  flooding  ford. 
So  fierce  a  gale  made  havoc  here  of  late 
Among  the  strange  "devices  of  our  kings, 
Yea,  shook  this  newer,  stronger  hall  of  ours, 
And  from  the  statue  Merlin  moulded  for  us 
Half-wrench'd  a  golden  wing;  but  now  — the  quest,     730 
This  vision  —  hast  thou  seen  the  Holy  Cup. 
That  Joseph  brought  of  old  to  Glastonbury  ?  " 

'So  when  I  told  him  all  thyself  hast  heard, 
Ambrosius,  and  my  fresli  but  fixt  resolve 
To  pass  away  into  the  °quiet  life. 
He  answer'd  not,  but,  sharply  turning,  ask'd 
Of  Gawain,  "  Gawain,  was  this  quest  for  thee  ?  " 

'  "Nay,  lord,"  said  Gawain,  "not  for  such  as  I. 
Therefore  I  communed  with  a  saintly  man. 
Who  made  me  sure  the  quest  was  not  for  me;  740 

For  I  was  much  a-wearied  of  the  quest, 
But  found  a  silk  pavilion  in  a  field, 


186  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KIXG 

And  merry  maidens  in  it;  and  then  this  gale 

Tore  my  pavilion  from  the  tenting-pin, 

And  blew  my  merry  maidens  all  about 

With  all  discomfort;  yea,  and  but  for  this, 

My  twelvemonth  and  a  day  were  pleasant  to  me.'' 

'He  ceased;  and  Arthur  turn'd  to  whom  at  first 
He  saw  not,  for  Sir  Bors,  on  entering,  push'd 
Athwart  the  throng  to  Lancelot,  caught  his  hand,  75a 

Held  it,  and  there,  half-hidden  by  him,  stood, 
Until  the  King  espied  him,  saying  to  him, 
*'  Hail,  Bors !  if  ever  loyal  man  and  true 
Could  see  it,  thou  hast  seen  the  Grail ;  "  and  Bors, 
"  Ask  me  not,  for  I  may  not  speak  of  it : 
I  saw  it; "  and  the  tears  were  in  his  eyes. 

*  Then  there  remain'd  but  Lancelot,  for  tlie  rest 
Spake  but  of  sundry  perils  in  the  storm; 
Perhaps,  like  him  of  Cana  in  Holy  Writ, 
Our  Arthur  kept  his  best  until  the  last;  760 

"Thou,  too,  my  Lancelot,"  ask'd  the  King,  "my  friend, 
Our  mightiest,  hath  tliis  quest  avail'd  for  thee?" 

*"Our  mightiest!"  answer'd  Lancelot,  with  a  groan 
'0  King!"  —  and  when  he  paused  methought  I  spied 
A  dying  fire  of  madness  in  his  eyes  — 
"0  King,  my  friend,  if  friend  of  thine  I  be, 
Happier  are  those  that  welter  in  their  sin, 
Swine  in  tlie  mud,  that  cannot  see  for  slime, 
Slime  of  the  ditch ;  but  in  me  lived  a  sin 
So  strange,  of  such  a  kind,  that  all  of  pure,  ^7i 

Noble,  and  knightly  in  me  twined  and  clung 
Round  that  one  sin,  until  the  wholesome  flower 
And  poisonous  grew  together,  °each  as  each, 
Not  to  be  pluck'd  asunder;  and  when  tliy  knights 


THE   HOLY    GRAIL  18? 

Sware,  I  sware  with  tliem  only  in  the  hope 

That  could  I  touch  or  see  the  Holy  Grail 

They  might  be  pluck'd  asunder.     Then  I  spake 

To  one  most  holy  saint,  who  wept  and  said 

That,  save  they  could  be  pluck'd  asunder,  all 

My  quest  were  but  in  vain;  to  whom  1  vow'd  jrgo 

That  I  would  work  according  as  he  will'd. 

And  forth  I  went,  and  while  I  yearn'd  and  strove 

To  tear  the  tw  ain  asunder  in  my  heart, 

]\ry  madness  came  upon  me  as  of  old, 

And  °wliipt  me  into  waste  fields  far  away. 

There  was  I  beaten  down  b}^  little  men, 

^lean  knights,  to  whom  the  moving  of  my  sw^ord 

And  shadow  of  my  spear  had  been  enow 

To  scare  them  from  me  once ;  and  then  I  came 

All  in  my  folly  to  the  naked  shore,  790 

Wide  flats,  where  nothing  but  coarse  grasses  grewj 

But  such  a  blast,  my  King,  began  to  blow, 

So  loud  a  blast  along  the  shore  and  sea, 

Ye  could  not  hear  the  waters  for  the  blast, 

Tho'  heapt  in  mounds  and  ridges  all  the  sea 

Drove  like  a  cataract,  and  all  the  sand 

Swept  like  a  river,  and  the  clouded  heavens 

Were  shaken  with  the  motion  and  the  sound. 

And  "blackening  in  the  sea-foam  sway'd  a  boat, 

Half-swallow'd  in  it,  anchor'd  with  a  chain;  800 

And  in  my  madness  to  myself  I  said, 

'I  will  embark  and  I  will  lose  myself, 

And  in  the  great  sea  wash  away  my  sin.' 

I  burst  the  chain,  I  sprang  into  the  boat. 

Seven  days  I  drove  along  the  dreary  deep. 

And  with  me  drove  the  moon  and  all  the  stars: 

And  the  wind  fell,  and  on  the  seventh  night 

I  heard  the  shingle  grinding  in  the  surge, 

And  felt  the  boat  shock  earth,  and  looking  up. 


188  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Behold,  the  enchanted  towers  of  °Carbonek,  8u 

A  castle  like  a  rock  upon  a  rock, 

With  chasm-like  portals  open  to  the  sea, 

And  steps  that  met  the  breaker!     There  was  none 

Stood  near  it  but  a  lion  on  each  side 

That  kept  the  entry,  and  the  moon  was  full. 

Then  from  the  boat  I  leapt,  and  up  the  stairs, 

There  drew  my  sword.     With  sudden-flaring  manes 

Those  two  great  beasts  rose  upright  like  a  man, 

Each  gript  a  shoulder,  and  I  stood  between, 

And,  when  I  would  have  smitten  them,  heard  a  voice,     820 

^  Doubt  not,  go  forward;  if  thou  doubt,  the  beasts 

Will  tear  thee  piecemeal.'     Then  w^ith  violence 

The  sword  was  dash'd  from  out  my  hand,  and  fell. 

And  up  into  the  sounding  hall  I  past; 

But  nothing  in  the  sounding  hall  I  saw, 

No  bench  nor  table,  painting  on  the  wall 

Or  shield  of  knight,  only  the  rounding  moon 

Thro'  the  tall  oriel  on  the  rolling  sea. 

But  always  in  the  quiet  house  I  heard. 

Clear  as  a  lark,  high  o'er  me  as  a  lark,  830 

A  sweet  voice  singing  in  the  topmost  tower 

To  the  eastward.     Up  I  climb'd  a  thousand  steps 

W^ith  pain;  as  in  a  dream  I  seem'd  to  climb 

For  ever:  at  the  last  I  reach'd  a  door, 

A  light  was  in  the  °crannies,  and  I  heard, 

^  Glory  and  joy  and  honor  to  our  Lord 

And  to  the  Holy  Vessel  of  the  Grail! ' 

Then  in  my  madness  I  essay 'd  the  door; 

It  gave,  and  thro'  a  stormy  glare,  a  heat 

As  from  a  °seven-times-heated  furnace,  I,  84a 

Blasted  and  burnt,  and  blinded  as  I  was, 

With  such  a  fierceness  that  I  swoon'd  away  — 

0,  yet  metliought  I  saw  the  Holy  Grail, 

All  pall'd  in  crimson  samite,  and  around 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  189 

Great  angels,  awful  sha})es,  and  wings  and  eyes  I 
And  but  for  all  my  madness  and  my  sin, 
And  then  my  swooning,  I  had  sworn  I  saw 
That  which  I  saw;  but  what  I  saw  w^as  veil'd 
And  cover'd,  and  this  quest  was  not  for  me." 

^  So  speaking,  and  here  ceasing,  Lancelot  left  850 

The  hall  long  silent,  till  Sir  Gawain  —  nay. 
Brother,  I  °need  not  tell  thee  foolish  words,  — 
A  reckless  and  irreverent  knight  was  l;e^ 
Now  bolden'd  by  the  silence  of  his  King,  — 
Well,  I  will  tell  thee:  "0  King,  my  liege,"  he  said. 
''Hatli  Gawain  fail'd  in  any  quest  of  thine? 
When  have  I  stinted  stroke  in  foughten  field? 
But  as  for  thine,  my  good  friend  Percivale, 
Thy  holy  nun  and  thou  have  driven  men  mad, 
Yea,  made  our  mightiest  madder  than  our  least.  860 

But  by  mine  eyes  and  by  mine  ears  I  swear, 
I  will  be  deafer  than  the  blue-eyed  cat, 
And  thrice  as  blind  as  any  noonday  owl, 
To  holy  virgins  in  their  ecstasies, 
Henceforward." 

*  "Deafer,"  said  the  blameless  King, 
''Gawain,  and  blinder  unto  holy  things, 
Hope  not  to  make  thyself  by  idle  vows. 
Being  too  blind  to  have  desire  to  see. 
But  if  indeed  there  came  a  sign  from  heaven, 
Blessed  are  Bors,  Lancelot,  and  Percivale,  870 

For  these  have  seen  according  to  their  sight. 
For  every  fiery  prophet  in  old  times. 
And  all  the  sacred  madness  of  the  bard, 
When  God  made  music  thro'  tliem,  could  but  speak 
His  music  by  the  framework  and  the  chord  j 
And  as  ye  saw  it  ye  have  spoken  truth. 


190  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KJXG 

'  ''  Xay  —  but  thou  °errest,  Lancelot :  never  yet 
Could  all  of  true  and  noble  in  knight  and  man 
Twine  round  one  sin,  whatever  it  might  be, 
AVitli  such  a  closeness  but  apart  there  grew,  880 

Save  tliat  he  were  the  swine  thou  spakest  of, 
Some  root  of  knighthood  and  pure  nobleness; 
Whereto  see  thou,  tliat  it  ma}^  bear  its  flower. 

'  "  And  spake  I  not  too  truly,  0  my  knights? 
Was  I  too  dark  a  prophet  when  I  said 
To  those  who  went  upon  the  Holy  Quest, 
That  most  of  them  would  follow  wandering  fires, 
Lost  in  the  quagmire?  —  lost  to  me  and  gone, 
And  left  me  gazing  at  a  barren  board. 
And  a  lean  Order  —  scarce  return' d  a  tithe  —  890 

And  out  of  those  to  whom  the  vision  came 
My  "greatest  hardly  will  believe  he  saw. 
°Another  hath  beheld  it  afar  off, 
And,  leaving  human  wrongs  to  right  themselves 
Cares  but  to  pass  into  the  silent  life. 
And  °one  hath  had  the  vision  face  to  face. 
And  now  his  chair  desires  him  here  in  vain, 
However  they  may  crown  him  otherwhere. 

'  "And  some  among  you  held  that  if  the  King 
Had  seen  the  sight  he  would  have  sworn  the  vow:        90c 
Not  easily,  seeing  that  the  King  must  guard 
That  which  he  rules,  and  is  but  as  the  hind 
To  whom  a  space  of  land  is  given  to  plow. 
Who  may  not  wander  from  the  allotted  field 
Before  his  work  be  done,  but,  being  done. 
Let  visions  of  the  night  or  of  the  day 
Come  as  they  will;  and  many  a  time  they  come, 
Until  this  earth  he  walks  on  seems  not  earth. 
This  light  that  strikes  his  eyeball  is  not  light, 


THE    HOLY    GRAIL  191 

This  air  that  smites  his  forehead  is  not  air  910 

But  vision  —  yea,  his  very  hand  and  foot  — 

In  moments  when  he  feels  he  cannot  die, 

And  knows  liimself  no  vision  to  himself, 

iSTor  the  high  God  a  vision,  nor  that  One 

Who  rose  again:  ye  have  seen  what  ye  have  seen." 

^So  spake  the  King:  I  knew  not  all  he  meant.' 


THE   LAST   TOURNAMENT 

Dagonet,  tlie  fool,  whom  °Gawain  in  his  mood 

Had  made  mock-knight  of  Arthur's  Table  Koiind, 

At  Camelot,  high  above  the  yellowing  woods, 

Danced  like  a  wither' d  leaf  before  the  hall. 

And  toward  him  from  the  hall,  with  harp  in  hand, 

And  from  the  crown  thereof  a  °carcanet 

Of  ruby  swaying  to  and  fro,  the  prize 

Of  Tristram  in  the  jousts  of  yesterday. 

Came  Tristram,  saying,  '  Why  skip  ye  so.  Sir  Fool?  ' 

For  Arthur  and  Sir  Lancelot  riding  once 
Far  down  beneath  a  winding  wall  of  rock 
Heard  a  child  wail.     A  stump  of  oak  half-dead. 
From  roots  like  some  black  coil  of  carven  snakes, 
Clutch' d  at  the  crag,  and  started  thro'  mid  air 
Bearing  an  eagle's  nest;  and  thro'  the  tree 
Rush'd  ever  a  rainy  wind,  and  thro'  the  wind 
Pierced  ever  a  child's  cry :  and  crag  and  tree 
Scaling,  Sir  Lancelot  from  the  perilous  nest, 
This  ruby  necklace  thrice  around  her  neck. 
And  all  unscarr'd  from  beak  or  talon,  brought 
A  maiden  babe,  which  Arthur  pitying  took, 
Then  gave  it  to  his  Queen  to  rear.     The  Queen, 
But  coldly  acquiescing,  in  her  white  arms 
Received,  and  after  loved  it  tenderly, 
And  named  it  °Nestling;  so  forgot  herself 
A  moment,  and  her  cares;  till  that  young  life 


THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  193 

Being  smitten  in  mid  heaven  witli  mortal  cold 

Past  from  her,  and  in  time  the  carcanet 

Vext  her  with  plaintive  memories  of  the  child: 

So  she,  delivering  it  to  Arthur,  said,  30 

'Take  thou  the  jewels  of  tliis  dead  innocence, 

And  make  them,  an  thou  wilt,  a  tourney-prize/ 

To  whom  the  King,  '  Peace  to  thine  eagle-borne 
Dead  nestling,  and  this  honor  after  death, 
Following  thy  will!  but,  0  my  Queen,  I  muse 
Why  ye  not  wear  on  arm,  or  neck,  or  zone 
Those  diamonds  that  I  rescued  from  the  tarn, 
And  Lancelot  °won,  methought,  for  thee  to  wear.' 

'Would  rather  you  had  let  them  fall,'  she  cried, 
'  Plunge  and  be  lost  —  ill-fated  as  they  were,  40 

A  bitterness  to  me !  —  ye  look  amazed, 
'Not  knowing  they  were  lost  as  soon  as  given  — 
Slid  from  my  hands  when  I  was  leaning  out 
Above  the  river  —  that  unhappy  child 
Past  in  her  °barge;  but  rosier  luck  will  go 
With  these  rich  jewels,  seeing  that  they  came 
Not  from  the  skeleton  of  a  "brother-slayer. 
But  the  sweet  body  of  a  maiden  babe. 
Perchance  —  who  knows?  —  the  purest  of  thy  knights 
May  win  them  for  the  purest  of  my  maids.'  5c 

She  ended,  and  the  cry  of  a  great  °jousts 
With  trumpet-blowings  ran  on  all  the  ways 
From  Camelot  in  among  the  faded  lields 
To  furthest  towers;  and  everywhere  the  knights 
Arm'd  for  a  day  of  glory  before  the  King. 

But  on  the  °hither  side  of  that  loud  morn 
Into  the  hall  stagger'd,  his  visage  ribb'd 
o 


194  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

From  ear  to  ear  with  dogwhip-weals,  his  nose 
Bridge-broken,  one  eye  out,  and  one  liand  off, 
And  one  with  shattered  fingers  dangling  hime,  60 

A  churl,  to  whom  indignantly  the  King: 

'My  churl,  for  whom  Christ  died,  what  evil  beast 
Hath  drawn  his  claws  athwart  tliy  face?  or  fiend? 
Man  was  it  who  marr'd  heaven's  image  in  thee  thus?' 

Then,  sputtering  thro'  the  hedge  of  splinter'd  teeth, 
Yet  strangers  to  the  tongue,  and  with  blunt  stump 
Pitch-blacken'd  sawing  tlie  air,  said  the  maim'd  churl: 

'  He  took  them  and  he  drave  them  to  his  tower  — 
Some  hold  he  was  a  table-knight  of  thine  — 
A  liundred  goodly  ones  —  the  Red  Knight,  he  —  70 

Lord,  I  was  tending  swine,  and  the  Red  Knight 
Brake  in  upon  me  and  drave  them  to  his  tower; 
And  when  I  call'd  upon  thy  name  as  one 
That  doest  right  by  gentle  and  b}^  churl, 
Maim'd  me  and  maul'd,  and  would  outright  have  slain, 
Save  that  he  sware  me  to  a  message,  saying: 
"Tell  thou  the  King  and  all  his  liars  that  I 
Have  founded  my  Round  Table  in  the  North, 
And  whatsoever  his  own  knights  have  sworn 
My  knights  have  sworn  the  counter  to  it  —  and  say       So 
My  tower  is  full  of  harlots,  like  his  courts 
But  mine  are  worthier,  seeing  they  profess 
To  be  none  other  than  themselves  —  and  say 
My  knights  are  all  adulterers  like  his  own, 
But  mine  are  truer,  seeing  they  profess 
To  be  none  other;  and  say  his  hour  is  come, 
The  heathen  are  upon  him,  his  long  lance 
Broken,  and  his  Excalibur  a  straw."  ' 


THE    LAST    TOURXAMEXT  195 

Then  Arthur  tuniM  to  Kay  the  °seneschal: 
^Take  thou  my  churl,  and  tend  him  "curiously  90 

Like  a  king's  heir,  till  all  his  hurts  be  whole. 
The  heathen  —  but  that  ever-climbing  wave, 
Hurl'd  back  again  so  often  in  empty  foam, 
Hath  lain  for  years  at  rest  —  and  "renegades, 
Thieves,  bandits,  leavings  of  confusion,  whom 
The  wholesome  realm  is  purged  of  other wli ere. 
Friends,  thro'  your  manhood  and  your  fealty.  — now 
Make  their  last  °head  like  Satan  in  the  North. 
My  younger  knights,  new-made,  in  whom  your  flower 
Waits  to  be  solid  fruit  of  golden  deeds,  100 

Move  with  me  toward  their  quelling,  which  achieved, 
The  loneliest  ways  are  safe  from  shore  to  shore. 
But  thou,  Sir  Lancelot,  sitting  in  my  place 
Enchair'd  to-morrow,  arbitrate  the  field; 
For  wherefore  shouldst  thou  care  to  mingle  with  it, 
Only  to  yield  my  Queen  her  own  again? 
Speak,  Lancelot,  thou  art  silent:  is  it  well?' 

Thereto  Sir  Lancelot  answer'd:   '  It  is  well; 
Yet  better  if  the  King  abide,  and  leave 
The  leading  of  his  3'ounger  knights  to  me.  no 

Else,  for  the  King  has  will'd  it,  it  is  well.' 

Then  Arthur  rose  and  Lancelot  follow'd  him, 
And  while  they  stood  without  the  doors,  the  King 
Turn'd  to  him  saying:    'Is  it  then  so  well? 
Or  mine  the  blame  that  oft  I  seem  as  he 
Of  whom  was  written.  ''  A  "sound  is  in  his  ears  "  ? 
The  foot  that  loiters,  bidden  go,  —  the  glance 
That  onl}'  seems  half-loyal  to  command.  — 
A  manner  somewhat  fallen  from  reverence  — 
Or  have  I  dream'd  the  bearing  of  our  knights  120 

Tells  of  a  manhood  ever  less  and  lower? 


196  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KIXG 

Or  whence  the  fear  lest  this  my  realm,  uprear'd^ 
By  noble  deeds  at  one  with  noble  vows, 
From  °liat  confusion  and  brute  violences, 
Reel  back  into  the  beast,  and  be  no  more? ' 


He  spoke,  and  taking  all  his  j^ounger  knights, 
Down  the  slope  city  rode,  and  sharply  turn'd 
North  by  the  gate.     In  her  high  bower  the  Queen, 
Working  a  tapestry,  lifted  up  her  head, 
Watch'd  her  lord  pass,  and  knew  not  that  she  sigh'd.    13c 
Then  ran  across  her  memory'  the  strange  rhyme 
Of  b3^gone  Merlin,  'Where  is  he  who  knows? 
From  the  great  deep  to  the  great  deep  he  goes/ 


But  when  the  morning  of  a  tournament, 
By  these  in  earnest  those  in  mockery  call'd 
The  Tournament  of  the  Dead  Innocence, 
Brake  with  a  wet.  wind  blowing,  Lancelot, 
Kound  whose  sick  head  all  night,  like  birds  of  prey, 
The  words  of  Arthur  flying  shriek'd,  arose, 
And  down  a  streetwa}^  hung  with  folds  of  pure  140 

White  samite,  and  by  fountains  running  wine, 
Where  children  sat  in  white  with  cups  of  gold. 
Moved  to  the  lists,  and  there,  with  slow  sad  steps 
Ascending,  fill'd  his  double-dragon'd  chair. 


He  glanced  and  saw  the  stately  galleries. 
Dame,  damsel,  each  thro'  worship  of  their  Queen 
White-robed  in  honor  of  the  stainless  child. 
And  some  with  scatter'd  jewels,  like  a  bank 
Of  maiden  snow  mingled  with  sparks  of  fire. 
He  look'd  but  once,  and  vail'd  his  eyes  again.  150 


THE    LAST    TOURyAMENT  197 

The  sudden  trumpet  sounded  as  in  a  dream 
To  ears  but  lialf-awakened,  then  one  low  roll 
Of  autumn  thunder,  and  the  jousts  began ; 
And  ever  the  wind  blew,  and  yellowing  leaf, 
And  gloom  and  gleam,  and  shower  and  shorn  plume 
Went  down  it.     °Sighing  weariedly,  as  one 
Who  sits  and  gazes  on  a  faded  lire. 
When  all  the  goodlier  guests  are  past  away, 
Sat  their  great  umpire  looking  o'er  the  lists. 
He  saw  the  laws  that  ruled  the  tournament  i6o 

Broken,  but  spake  not;  once,  a  knight  cast  down 
Before  his  throne  of  arbitration  cursed 
The  dead  babe  and  the  follies  of  the  King; 
And  once  the  laces  of  a  helmet  crack' d. 
And  show'd  him,  like  a  vermin  in  its  hole, 
]Modred,  a  narrow  face :  anon  he  heard 
The  voice  that  billow'd  round  the  barriers  roar 
An  ocean-sounding  welcome  to  one  knight, 
But  newly-enter'd,  taller  than  the  rest, 
And  armor'd  all  in  forest  green,  whereon  170 

There  tript  a  hundred  tiny  silver  deer. 
And  wearing  but  a  holly-spray  for  crest, 
With  ever-scattering  berries,  and  on  shield 
A  spear,  a  harp,  a  bugle  —  Tristram  —  late 
From  over-seas  in  Brittany  returned. 
And  marriage  with  a  princess  of  that  realm, 
Isolt  the  °White  —  Sir  Tristram  of  the  Woods  — 
Whom  Lancelot  knew,  had  held  sometime  with  pain 
His  own  against  him.  and  now  yearn'd  to  shake 
The  burthen  off  his  heart  in  one  full  shock  iSo 

With  Tristram  even  to  death.     His  strong  hands  gript 
And  dinted  the  gilt  dragons  right  and  left. 
Until  he  groan' d  for  wrath  —  so  many  of  those 
That  ware  their  ladies'  colors  on  the  casque 
Drew  from  before  Sir  Tristram  to  the  bounds, 


198  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  there  with  gibes  and  flickering  mockeries 
Stood,  while  he  mutter'd,  'Craven  crests !     O  shame! 
What  faith  have  these  in  whom  they  sware  to  love? 
The  glory  of  our  Hound  Table  is  no  more.' 

So  Tristram  won,  and  Lancelot  gave,  the  gems,         190 
Not  speaking  other  word  than,  'Hast  thou  won? 
Art  thou  the  purest,  brother?     See,  the  hand 
Wherewith  thou  takest  this  is  red! '  to  whom 
Tristram,  half  plagued  by  Lancelot's  languorous  mood, 
Made  answer:   'Ay,  but  wherefore  toss  me  this 
Like  a  dry  bone  cast  to  some  hungry  hound? 
Let  be  thy  fair  Queen's  fantasy.     Strength  of  heart 
An  ;  might  of  limb,  but  mainh'  use  and  skill, 
Ave  winners  in  this  pastime  of  our  King. 
My  hand  —  belike  the  lance  hath  dript  upon  it —         200 
No  blood  of  mine,  I  trow;  but  O  chief  knight, 
Right  arm  of  Arthur  in  the  battle-field. 
Great  brother,  thou  nor  I  have  made  the  world; 
Be  happy  in  thy  fair  Queen  as  I  in  mine.' 

And  Tristram  round  the  gallery  made  his  horse 
"Caracole;  then  bow'd  his  homage,  bluntly  saying, 
'  Fair  damsels,  each  to  him  who  worships  each 
Sole  Queen  of  Beauty  and  of  love,  behold 
This  day  my  Queen  of  Beauty  is  not  here.' 
And  most  of  these  were  mute,  some  anger'd,  one  210 

Murmuring,  'AH  courtesy  is  dead,'  and  one, 
*  The  glory  of  our  Round  Table  is  no  more.' 

Then  fell  thick  rain,  plume  droopt  and  mantle  clung, 
And  pettish  cries  awoke,  and  the  wan  day 
Went  glooming  down  in  wet  and  weariness; 
But  under  lier  black  brows  a  swarthy  one 
Laugh'd  shrilly,  crying:    'Praise  the  patient  saints, 
Our  one  white  day  of  Innocence  hath  past, 


THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  199 

Tho'  somewhat  draggled  at  the  skirt.     So  be  it. 

The  snowdrop  only,  flowering  thro'  the  year,  220 

Would  make  the  world  as  blank  as  winter-tide. 

Come  —  let  us  gladden  their  sad  eyes,  our  Queen's 

And  Lancelot's,  at  this  night's  solemnity 

With  all  the  kindlier  CMjlors  of  the  field.' 

So  dame  and  damsel  glitter'd  at  the  feast 
Variously  gay ;  for  he  that  tells  the  tale 
Liken 'd  them,  saying,  as  when  an  hour  of  cold 
Falls  on  the  mountain  in  midsummer  snows, 
And  all  the  purple  slopes  of  mountain  flowers 
Pass  under  white,  till  the  warm  hour  returns  230 

With  veer  of  wind  and  all  are  flowers  again. 
So  dame  and  damsel  cast  the  simple  white, 
And  glowing  in  all  colors,  the  °live  grass, 
°Rose-Campion,  bluebell,  kingcup,  poppy,  glanced 
About  the  revels,  and  with  mirth  so  loud 
Be^'ond  all  use,  that,  half -amazed,  the  Queen, 
And  wroth  at  Tristram  and  the  lawless  jousts, 
Brake  up  their  sports,  then  slowly  to  her  bower 
Parted,  and  in  her  bosom  pain  was  lord. 

And  little  Dagonet  on  the  morrow  morn,  24c 

'High  over  all  tlie  yellowing  autumn-tide. 
Danced  like  a  wither'd  leaf  before  the  hall. 
Then  Tristram  saying,  '  Why  skip  ye  so.  Sir  Fool?  ' 
Wheel' d  round  on  either  heel,  Dagonet  replied, 
'Belike  for  lack  of  wiser  company; 
Or  being  fool,  and  seeing  too  much  wit 
Makes  the  world  rotten,  why,  belike  I  skip 
To  know  myself  the  wisest  knight  of  all.' 
'Ay,  fool,'  said  Tristram,  'but  'tis  eating  dry 
To  dance  without  a  catch,  a  °roundelay  250 

To  dance  to.'     Then  he  twangled  on  his  harp. 


200  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  while  he  twangled  little  Dagonet  stood 

Quiet  as  any  water-sodden  log 

Stay'd  in  the  wandering  warble  of  a  brook 

But  when  the  t wangling  ended,  skipt  again; 

And  being  ask'd,  *  Why  skipt  ye  not,  Sir  Fool?^ 

Made  answer,  'I  had  liefer  twenty  years 

Skip  to  the  broken  music  of  my  brains 

Than  any  broken  music  thou  canst  make.' 

Then  Tristram,  waiting  for  tlie  quip  to  come,  ^60 

'Good  now,  what  music  have  I  broken,  fool?' 

And  little  Dagonet,  skipping,  'Arthur,  the  King's: 

For  wlien  thou  playest  that  air  with  Queen  Isolt, 

Thou  niakest  broken  music  with  thy  bride, 

Her  daintier  namesake  down  in  Brittany  — 

And  so  thou  breakest  Arthur's  music  too.' 

'  Save  for  that  broken  music  in  thy  brains, 

Sir  Fool, '  said  Tristram,  '  I  would  break  thy  head. 

Fool,  I  came  late,  the  heathen  wars  were  o'er, 

The  life  had  flown,  we  sware  but  by  the  shell  —  27c 

I  am  but  a  fool  to  reason  with  a  fool  — 

Come,  thou  art  crabb'd  and  sour;  but  lean  me  down. 

Sir  Dagonet,  one  of  thy  long  asses'  ears, 

And  harken  if  my  music  be  not  true. 

'  "Free  love  —  free  field  —  we  love  but  while  we  may: 
The  woods  are  hush'd,  their  music  is  no  more; 
The  leaf  is  dead,  the  yearning  past  away. 
New  leaf,  new  life  —  the  days  of  frost  are  o'er; 
New  life,  new  love,  to  suit  the  newer  day; 
New  loves  are  sweet  as  those  that  went  before :  280 

Free  love — ^free  field  —  we  love  but  while  we  may." 

'  Ye  might  have  moved  slow-measure  to  my  tune, 
Not  stood  °stock-still.     1  made  it  in  the  woods. 
And  heard  it  ring  as  true  as  tested  gold.' 


THE    LAST    TOURXAMKNT  201 

But  Dagonet  with  one  foot  poised  in  his  liand: 
'Friend,  did  ye  mark  that  fountain  yesterday, 
Made  to  run  wine?  —  but  this  had  run  itself 
All  out  like  a  long  life  to  a  sour  end  — 
And  them  that  round  it  sat  with  golden  cups 
To  hand  the  wine  to  whosoever  came  —  20c 

The  twelve  small  °damosels  white  as  Innocence, 
In  honor  of  poor  Innocence  the  babe, 
Wlio  left  the  gems  which  Innocence  the  Queen 
Lent  to  the  King,  and  Innocence  the  King 
Gave  for  a  prize  —  and  one  of  those  white  °slips 
Handed  her  cup  and  piped,  the  pretty  one, 
"Drink,  drink.  Sir  Fool,"  and  thereupon  I  drank, 
Spat  —  pish  —  the  cup  was  gold,  the  clraught  was  mud.' 

And  Tristram:   '  Was  it  muddier  than  thy  gibes? 
Is  all  the  laugliter  gone  dead  out  of  thee? —  300 

Not  marking  how  the  knighthood  mock  thee,  fool  — 
"Fear  God:  honor  the  King  —  his  one  true  knight  — 
Sole  follower  of  the  vows"  —  for  here  be  they 
Who  knew  thee  swine  enow  before  I  came, 
°Smuttier  than  blasted  grain :  but  when  the  King 
Had  made  thee  fool,  thy  vanity  so  shot  up 
It  frighted  all  free  fool  from  out  thy  heart; 
Which  left  thee  less  than  fool,  and  less  than  swine, 
A  naked  aught  —  yet  swine  I  hold  thee  still. 
For  I  have  flung  thee  pearls  and  find  thee  swine.'         310 

And  little  Dagonet  mincing  with  his  feet : 
'  Knight,  an  ye  fling  those  rubies  round  my  neck 
In  lieu  of  hers,  I'll  hold  thou  hast  some  touch 
Of  music,  since  I  care  not  for  thy  pearls. 
Swine?     I  have  wallow'd,  I  have  wash'd  —  the  world 
Is  flesh  and  shadow — T  have  had  mv  dav. 


202  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

The  dirt}'  nurse,  Experience,  in  her  kind 

Hath  foul'd  me  —  an  I  wallow'd,  then  I  wash'd  — 

I  have  liad  my  day  and  my  philosophies  — 

And  thank  the  Lord  I  am  King  Arthur's  fool.  320 

Swine,  say  ye?  swine,  goats,  asses,  rams,  and  geese 

Troop'd  round  a  "Paynim  harper  once,  who  thrumm'd 

On  such  a  \vire  as  musically  as  thou 

Some  such  fine  song  —  but  never  a  king's  fooL' 

And  Tristram,  '  Then  were  swine,  goats,  asses,  geese 
The  wiser  fools,  seeing  th}^  Paynim  bard 
Had  such  a  mastery  of  his  mystery 
That  he  could  harp  his  wife  up  out  of  hell.' 

Then  Dagonet,  turning  on  the  ball  of  his  foot, 
*  And  whither  harp'st  thou  °thine?  down !  and  thyself   330 
Down !  and  two  more :  a  helpful  harper  thou, 
That  harpest  downward!     Dost  thou  know  the  star 
We  call  the  °Harp  of  Arthur  up  in  heaven?  * 

And  Tristram,  '  Ay,  Sir  Fool,  for  when  our  King 
Was  victor  wellnigh  day  by  day,  the  knights, 
Glorying  in  each  new  glory,  set  his  name 
High  on  all  hills  and  in  the  signs  of  heaven.' 

And  Dagonet  answer'd :    '■  ky,  and  when  the  laud 
Was  freed,  and  the  Queen  false,  ye  set  yourself 
To  babble  about  him,  all  to  show  your  wit  —  345 

And  whether  he  were  king  by  courtesy. 
Or  king  b}^  right  —  and  so  went  harping  down 
The  °black  king's  highway,  got  so  far  and  grew 
So  witty  that  ye  play'd  at  ducks  and  drakes 
With  Arthur's  vows  on  the  great  lake  of  fire. 
Tuwhoo!  do  jq  see  it?  do  3^e  see  the  star?' 


THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  203 

*Xay,  fool,'  said  Tristram,   'not  in  open  day.' 
And  Dagonet;   'Nay,  nor  will;  I  see  it  and  hear. 
It  makes  a  silent  music  up  in  heaven. 
And  I  and  Arthur  and  the  angels  hear,  350 

And  then  we  skip. '     '  Lo,  fool, '  he  said,  '  ye  talk 
Fool's  treason:  is  the  King  thy  brother  fool? ' 
Then  little  Dagonet  clapt  his  hands  and  shrill'd: 
'  Ay,  ay,  my  brother  fool,  the  king  of  fools  I 
Conceits  himself  as  God  that  he  can  make 
Figs  out  of  thistles,  silk  from  bristles,  milk 
From  "burning  spurge,  honey  from  hornet-combs, 
And  men  from  beasts  —  Long  live  the  king  of  fools ! ' 

And  down  the  city  Dagonet  danced  away; 
But  thro'  the  slowly-mellowing  avenues  36c 

And  solitary  passes  of  the  wood 
Eode  Tristram  toward  Lyon  n esse  and  the  west. 
Before  him  tied  the  face  of  °Queen  Isolt 
With  ruby-circled  neck,  but  evermore 
Past,  as  a  rustle  or  twitter  in  the  wood 
Made  dall  his  inner,  keen  his  outer  eye 
For  all  that  walk'd,  or  crept,  or  perch'd,  or  flew. 
Anon  the  face,  as,  when  a  gust  hath  blown, 
Un ruffling  waters  re-collect  the  shape 
Of  one  that  in  them  sees  himself,  return'd;  37c 

But  at  the  °slot  or  fewmets  of  a  deer. 
Or  even  a  fallen  feather,  vanish'd  again. 

So  on  for  all  that  day  from  lawn  to  lawn 
Thro'  many  a  league-long  bower  he  rode.     At  length 
A  lodge  of  intertwisted  beechen-boughs, 
°Furze-cramm'd  and  bracken-rooft,  the  which  himself 
Built  for  a  summer  day  with  Queen  Isolt 
Against  a  shower,  dark  in  the  golden  grove 
Appearing,  sent  his  fancy  back  to  where 


204  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

She  lived  a  moon  in  that  low  lodge  with  him;  38* 

Till  ^lai'k  her  lord  had  past,  the  Cornish  King, 

With  six  or  seven,  wlien  Tristram  was  away. 

And  snatch'd  her  thence,  yet,  dreading  worse  than  shame 

Her  warrior  Tristram,  spake  not  any  word^ 

But  bode  his  hour,  devising  wretchedness. 

And  now  that  desert  lodge  to  Tristram  lookt 
So  sweet  that,  halting,  in  he  past  and  sank 
Down  on  a  drift  of  foliage  random-blown; 
But  could  not  rest  for  musing  how  to  smooth 
And  sleek  his  marriage  over  to  the  queen.  39. 

Perchance  in  lone  Tiutagil  far  from  all 
The  °tonguesters  of  the  court  she  had  not  heard. 
But  then  what  folly  had  sent  him  over-seas 
After  she  left  him  lonely  here?  a  name? 
Was  it  the  name  of  one  in  Brittany, 
Isolt,  the  daughter  of  the  king?     *Isolt 
Of  the  White  Hands  '  they  call'd  her:  the  sweet  name 
Allured  him  first,  and  then  the  maid  herself, 
Who  "served  him  well  with  those  white  hands  of  hers, 
And  loved  him  well,  until  himself  had  thought  400 

He  loved  her  also,  wedded  easily, 
But  left  her  all  as  easily,  and  returned. 
The  black-blue  Irish  hair  and  Irish  e^'es 
Had  drawn  him  home  — what  marvel?  then  he  laid 
His  brows  upon  the  drifted  leaf  and  dream'd. 

He  seem'd  to  pace  the  strand  of  Brittany 
Between  Isolt  of  Britain  and  his  bride, 
And  show'd  them  both  tlie  ruby-chain,  and  both 
Began  to  struggle  for  it,  till  his  queen 
Graspt  it  so  hard  that  all  her  hand  was  red.  42c 

Then  cried  the  Breton,  *Look,  her  hand  is  red! 
These  be  no  rubies,  this  is  frozen  blood, 


THE  LAST   TOURNAMENT  205 

A-RQ  meits  witlim  her  hcincl  —  her  hand  is  hot 
With,  ill  desires,  but  this  I  gave  thee,  look, 
Is  all  as  cool  and  white  as  any  flower/ 
Follow'd  a  rush  of  eagle's  wings,  and  then 
A  whimpering  of  the  spirit  of  the  child, 
Because  the  twain  had  spoiled  her  carcanet. 

He  dreamed;  but  Arthur  with  a  hundred  spears 
Rode  far,  till  o'er  the  illimitable  reed,  420 

And  2nany  a  glancing  piash  and  °sallowy  isle, 
The  wide"wing*d  sunset  of  the  misty  marsh 
Glared  on  a  huge  °raaehicolated  tower 
That  stood  with  open  doors,  whereout  was  roli'd 
A  roar  of  riot,  as  from  men  secure 
Amid  their  marshes,  ruffians  at  their  ease 
Among  their  harlot- brides^  an  evil  song. 
Lo  there.'  said  one  of  Arthur's  youth,  for  there, 
High  on  a  grim  dead  tree  before  the  tower, 
A  goodly  brother  of  the  Table  Round  430 

Swung  by  the  neck:  and  on  the  boughs  a  shield 
Showing  a  shower  of  blood  in  a  field  ^'noir, 
And  therebeside  a  horn,  inflamed  the  knights 
At  that  dishonor  done  the  gilded  spur. 
Till  each  would  clash  the  shield  and  blow  the  horn. 
But  A  tthur  waived  them  back.     Alone  he  rode 
Then  at  the  dry  harsh  roar  of  the  great  horn, 
That  sent  the  face  of  all  tlie  marsh  aloft 
An  ever  upward-rushing  storm  and  cloud 
Of  shriek  and  plume,  the  Red  Knight  heard,  and  all,    440 
Even  to  tipmost  lance  and  topmost  helm, 
In  blood-red  armor  sallying,  howl'd  to  the  King . 

•  The  teeth  of  Heil  flay  bare  and  gnash  thee  flat!  -- 
Lo!  art  thou  not  that  eunuch-hearted  king 
Who  fain  had  dipt  free  raanhcod  from  the  world  — 


206  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

The  woman-worshipper?     Yea,  God's  curse,  and  I! 

Slain  was  the  brother  of  my  paramour 

By  a  knight  of  thine,  and  I  that  heard  her  whine 

And  snivel,  being  eunuch-hearted  too, 

Sware  by  the  °scorpion-worm  that  twists  in  hell  45a 

And  stings  itself  to  everlasting  death, 

To  hang  whatever  kniglit  of  thine  I  fought 

And  tumbled.     Art  thou  king?  —  Look  to  thy  life! ' 

He  ended:  Arthur  knew  the  voice;  the  face 
Wellnigh  was  helmet-hidden,  and  the  name 
Went  wandering  somewhere  darkling  in  his  mind. 
And  Arthur  deign'd  not  use  of  word  or  sword. 
But  let  the  drunkard,  as  he  stretch'd  from  horse 
To  strike  him,  overbalancing  his  bulk, 
Down  from  the  causeway  heavily  to  the  swamp  46c 

Fall,  as  the  crest  of  some  slow-arching  wave, 
Heard  in  dead  night  along  that  table-shore. 
Drops  flat,  and  after  the  great  waters  break 
Whitening  for  half  a  league,  and  thin  themselves, 
Far  over  sands  marbled  with  moon  and  cloud, 
From  less  and  less  to  nothing;  thus  he  fell 
Head-heavy;  then  the  knights,  who  watch'd  him,  roar'd 
And  shouted  and  leapt  down  upon  the  fallen, 
There  trampled  out  his  face  from  being  known. 
And  sank  his  head  in  mire,  and  slimed  themselves;      470 
Nor  heard  the  King  for  their  own  cries,  but  sprang 
Thro'  open  doors,  and  s wording  right  and  left 
Men,  women,  on  their  sodden  faces,  hurl'd 
The  tables  over  and  the  wines,  and  slew 
Till  all  the  rafters  rang  with  woman-yells, 
And  all  the  pavement  stream'd  with  massacre: 
Then,  echoing  yell  with  yell,  they  fired  the  tower, 
Which  half  that  autumn  night,  like  the  live  North, 
Red-pulsing  up  thro'  °Alioth  and  Alcor, 


THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  207 

Made  all  above  it,  and  a  hundred  meres  480 

About  it,  as  the  water  °Moab  saw 
Come  round  by  the  east,  and  out  beyond  them  flush'd 
The  long  low  dune  and  lazy-plunging  sea. 

So  all  the  wa3^s  were  safe  from  shore  to  shore, 
But  in  the  heart  of  Arthur  pain  was  lord. 

Then,  out  of  Tristram  waking,  the  red  dream 
Fled  with  a  shout,  and  that  low  lodge  return'd, 
Mid-forest,  and  the  wind  among  the  boughs. 
He  whistled  his  good  war-horse  left  to  graze 
Among  the  forest  greens,  vaulted  upon  liim,  490 

And  rode  beneath  an  ever-showering  leaf. 
Till  one  lone  woman,  weeping  near  a  cross, 
Stay'd  him.    '  Why  weep  ye? '    '  Lord, '  slie  said,  '  my  man 
Hath  left  me  or  is  dead ; '  whereon  he  thought  — 
'What,  if  she  hate  me  now?     I  would  not  this. 
What,  if  she  love  me  still?    ,1  would  not  that. 
I  know  not  what  I  would  '  —  but  said  to  her, 
'Yet  weep  not  thou,  lest,  if  thy  mate  return, 
He  find  thy  favor  changed  and  love  thee  not '  — 
Then  pressing  day  by  day  thro'  Lyonnesse  500 

Last  in  a  °roky  hollow,  belling,  heard 
The  hounds  of  Mark,  and  felt  the  °goodly  hounds 
Yelp  at  his  heart,  but,  turning,  past  and  gain'd 
Tintagil,  half  in  sea  and  high  on  land, 
A  crown  of  towers. 

Down  in  a  casement  sat, 
A  low  sea-sunset  glorying  round  her  hair 
And  glossy-throated  grace,  Isolt  the  queen. 
And  when  she  heard  the  feet  of  Tristram  grind 
The  °spiring  stone  that  scaled  about  her  tower, 
Flush'd,  started,  met  him  at  the  doors,  and  there         51c 


208  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Belted  his  body  with  her  white  embrace, 

Crying  aloud:   'Xot  Mark  —  not  Mark,  my  soul? 

The  footstep  fiutter'd  me  at  first:  not  he! 

Catlike  thro'  liis  own  castle  steals  my  Mark, 

But  warrior-wise  thou  stridest  thro'  his  halls 

Who  hates  thee,  as  I  him  —  even  to  the  death. 

My  soul,  T  felt  my  hatred  for  my  Mark 

Quicken  within  me,  and  knew  that  thou  wert  nigh/ 

To  whom  Sir  Tristram  smiling,  'I  am  here: 

Let  be  thy  Mark,  seeing  he  is  not  thine.'  520 

And  drawing  somewhat  backward  she  replied: 
^Can  he  be  wrong'd  who  is  not  even  his  own. 
But  save  for  dread  of  thee  had  beaten  me, 
Scratch'd,  bitten,  blinded,  marr'd  me  somehow  —  Mark? 
What  rights  are  his  that  dare  not  strike  for  them? 
Nor  lift  a  liand  —  not,  tho'  he  found  me  thus ! 
But  harken!  have  ye  met  him?  lience  he  went 
To-day  for  three  days'  lumting- — as  he  said  — 
And  so  returns  belike  within  an  hour. 
Mark's  way,  my  soul!  — but  eat  not  thou  with  Mark,    530 
Because  he  hates  thee  even  more  than  fears, 
Nor  drink;  and  when  thou  passest  any  wood 
Close  vizor,  lest  an  arrow  from  the  bush 
Should  leave  me  all  alone  with  Mark  and  hell. 
My  God,  the  measure  of  my  hate  for  Mark 
Is  as  the  measure  of  my  love  for  thee ! ' 

So,  pluck'd  one  way  by  hate  and  one  by  love, 
Drain'd  of  lier  force,  again  she  sat,  and  spake 
To  Tristram,  as  he  knelt  before  her,  saying: 
'  0  hunter,  and  0  blower  of  the  horn,  5^0 

Harper,  and  thou  hast  been  a  rover  too, 
For,  ere  I  mated  with  my  shambling  king, 
Ye  twain  had  fallen  out  about  the  bride 


THE    LAST    TOURXAMEXT  209 

Of  one  —  his  name  is  out  of  mo  —  the  prize, 
If  prize  she  were  — ■  what  marvel?  —  she  coukl  see  — 
Thine,  friend;  and  ever  since  my  craven  seeks 
To  wreck  thee  villainously:  but,  0  Sir  Knight, 
What  dame  or  damsel  have  ye  kneel'd  to  last? ' 

And  Tristram,  ^  Last  to  my  "^Queen  Paramount, 
Here  now  to  my  queen  paramount  of  love  550 

And  loveliness  —  ay,  lovelier  than  when  first 
Her  light  feet  fell  on  our  rough  Lyonnesse, 
Sailing  from  Ireland.' 

Softly  laugh'dlsolt: 
^Flatter  me  not,  for  hath  not  our  great  Queen 
^ly  dole  of  beauty  trebled?'  and  he  said: 
'  Her  beauty  is  her  beauty,  and  thine  thine, 
And  thine  is  more  to  me  —  soft,  gracious,  kind  — 
Save  when  thy  Mark  is  kindled  on  thy  lips 
Most  gracious ;  but  she,  haughty,  even  to  him, 
Lancelot;  for  I  have  seen  him  wan  enow  560 

To  make  one  doubt  if  ever  the  great  Queen 
Have  yielded  him  her  love.' 

To  whom  Isolt: 
^  Ah,  then,  false  hunter  and  false  harper,  thou 
Who  brakest  thro'  the  scruple  of  my  bond. 
Calling  me  thy  white  hind,  and  saying  to  me 
That  Guinevere  had  sinn'd  against  the  highest. 
And  I  —  misyoked  with  such  a  want  of  man  — 
That  I  could  hardly  sin  against  the  lowest.' 

He  answer'd:   ^0  my  soul,  be  comforted! 
If  this  be  sweet,  to  sin  in  leading-strings,  570 

If  here  be  comfort,  and  if  ours  be  sin 


210  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Crown'd  warrant  had  we  for  the  crowning  sin 
That  made  us  happy;  but  how  ye  greet  me  —  fear 
And  fault  and  doubt  —  no  word  of  that  fond  tale  — 
Thy  deep  heart-yearnings,  thy  sweet  memories 
Of  Tristram  in  that  year  he  was  away.' 

And,  saddening  on  the  sudden,  spake  Isolt : 
*  I  had  forgotten  all  in  my  strong  joy 
To  see  thee  —  yearnings?  —  ay!  for,  hour  by  hour, 
Here  in  the  never-ended  afternoon,  580 

0,  sweeter  than  all  memories  of  thee. 
Deeper  than  any  yearnings  after  thee 
Seem'd  tliose  far-rolling,  westward-smiling  seas, 
Watch'd  from  this  tower.     Isolt  of  Britain  dash'd 
Before  Isolt  of  Brittany  on  the  strand, 
Would  that  have  chill'd  her  bride -kiss?     Wedded  her? 
FoQglit  in  her  father's  battles?  wounded  there? 
The  King  was  all  fulfill'd  with'  gratefulness. 
And  she,  my  namesake  of  the  hands,  that  heal'd 
Thy  hurt  and  heart  with  unguent  and  caress —  590 

Well  —  can  I  wish  her  any  huger  wrong 
Than  having  known  thee?  her  too  hast  thou  left 
To  pine  and  waste  in  those  sweet  memories. 
0,  were  I  not  my  Mark's,  by  °whom  all  men 
Are  noble,  I  should  hate  thee  more  than  love.' 


And  Tristram,  fondling  her  light  hands,  replied: 
'Grace,  queen,  for  being  loved:  she  loved  me  well. 
Did  I  love  her?  the  name  at  least  I  loved. 
Isolt?  —  I  fought  his  battles,  for  Isolt! 
The  night  was  dark;  the  true  star  set.     Isolt!  600 

The  name  was  ruler  of  the  dark  —  Isolt? 
Care  not  for  her!  patient,  and  prayerful,  meek, 
Pale-blooded,  she  will  °yield  herself  to  God.' 


THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  2U 

And  Isolt  answer'd:   'Yea,  and  why  not  I? 
Mine  is  the  larger  need,  who  am  not  meek, 
Pale-blooded,  prayerful.     Let  me  tell  thee  now. 
Here  one  black,  mute  midsummer  night  I  sat. 
Lonely,  but  musing  on  thee,  wondering  where, 
Murmuring  a  light  song  I  had  heard  thee  sing, 
And  once  or  twice  I  spake  thy  name  aloud.  610 

Then  flash'd  a  °levin-brand;  and  near  me  stood, 
In  fuming  sulphur  blue  and  green,  a  fiend  — 
Mark's  way  to  steal  behind  one  in  the  dark  — 
For  there  was  Mark:  ''He  has  wedded  her,"  he  said, 
Xot  said,  but  hiss'd  it;  then  this  crown  of  towers 
So  shook  to  such  a  roar  of  all  the  sky. 
That  here  in  utter  dark  I  swoon'd  away, 
And  woke  again  in  utter  dark,  and  cried, 
*'  I  will  flee  hence  and  give  myself  to  God  "  — 
And  thou  wert  lying  in  thy  new  °leman's  arms.'  620 

Then  Tristram,  ever  dallying  with  her  hand, 
^  May  God  be  with  thee,  sweet,  when  old  and  gray, 
And  past  desire! '  a  saying  that  anger'd  her. 
'  "May  God  be  with  thee,  sweet,  when  thou  art  old, 
And  sweet  no  more  to  me!  "     I  need  Him  now. 
For  when  had  Lancelot  utter'd  aught  so  gross 
Even  to  the  swineherd's  °malkin  in  the  mast? 
The  greater  man  the  greater  courtesy. 
Far  other  was  the  Tristram,  Arthur's  knight! 
But  thou,  thro'  ever  harrying  thy  wild  beasts —  630 

Save  that  to  touch  a  harp,  tilt  with  a  lance 
Becomes  thee  well  —  art  grown  wild  beast  thyself. 
How  darest  thou,  if  lover,  push  me  even 
In  fancy  from  thy  side,  and  set  me  far 
In  the  gray  distance,  half  a  life  away. 
Her  to  be  loved  no  more?     Unsay  it,  unswear! 
Flatter  me  rather,  seeing  me  so  weak, 


212  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KIXG 

Broken  with  INIark  and  liate  and  solitude, 

Thy  marriage  and  mine  own,  that  I  sliould  suck 

Lies  like  sweet  wines:  lie  to  me;  I  believe.  640 

Will  ye  not  lie?  not  swear,  as  there  ye  kneel, 

And  solemnly  as  when  ye  sware  to  him, 

The  man  of  men,  our  King  —  My  God,  the  power 

Was  once  in  vows  when  men  believed  the  King! 

They  lied  not  then  who  sware,  and  thro'  their  vows 

The  King  prevailing  made  his  realm :  —  I  say, 

Swear  to  me  thou  wilt  love  me  even  when  old, 

Gray-hair'd,  and  past  desire,  and  in  despair.' 

Then  Tristram,  pacing  moodily  up  and  down: 
'Yows!  did  you  keep  the  vow  you  made  to  Mark  650 

More  than  I  mine?     Lied,  say  ye?     Nay,  but  learnt, 
The  vow  that  binds  too  strictly  snaps  itself  — 
My  knighthood  taught  me  this  —  ay,  being  snapt  — 
We  run  more  counter  to  the  soul  thereof 
Than  had  we  never  sworn.     I  swear  no  more. 
I  swore  to  the  great  King,  and  am  forsworn. 
For  once  —  even  to  the  heiglit  —  I  honor'd  him. 
"Man,  is  he  man  at  all?"  methought,  when  first 
I  rode  from  our  rough  Lyonnesse,  and  beheld 
That  victor  of  the  Pagan  throned  in  hall —  660 

His  hair,  a  sun  tliat  ray'd  from  off  a  brow 
Like  hill-snow  high  in  heaven,  the  steel-blue  eyes, 
The  golden  beard  tliat  clothed  his  lips  with  light  — 
Moreover,  that  weird  legend  of  his  l3irth, 
W^ith  jNIerlin's  mystic  babble  about  his  end 
Amazed  me;  then,  his  foot  was  on  a  stool 
Shaped  as  a  dragon ;  he  seem'd  to  me  no  man, 
But  ^richael  trampling  Satan;  so  I  sware, 
Being  amazed:  but  this  went  by  —  The  vows! 
0,  ay  —  the  wholesome  madness  of  an  hour  —  670 

They  served  their  nse,  their  time;  for  every  knight 


THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  213 

Believed  himself  a  greater  than  himself, 

And  every  follower  eyed  him  as  a  God; 

Till  he,  being  lifted  up  beyond  himself, 

Did  mightier  deeds  than  elsewise  he  had  done, 

And  so  the  realm  was  made:  but  then  their  vows  — 

First  mainly  thro'  that  sullying  of  our  Queen  — 

Began  to  gall  the  knighthood,  asking  whence 

Had  Arthur  right  to  bind  them  to  himself? 

Dropt  down  from  heaven?    wash'd  up  from  out  the 

deep?  680 

They  fail'd  to  trace  him  thro'  the  flesh  and  blood 
Of  our  old  kings:  whence  then?  a  doubtful  lord 
To  bind  them  by  inviolable  vows, 
Which  °flesh  and  blood  perforce  would  violate: 
For  feel  this  arm  of  mine  —  the  tide  within 
Red  with  free  chase  and  lieather-scented  air, 
Pulsing  full  man;  can  Arthur  make  me  pure 
As  any  maiden  child?  lock  up  my  tongue 
From  uttering  freely  what  I  freely  hear? 
Bind  me  to  one?     The  wide  world  laughs  at  it.  690 

And  worldling  of  the  world  am  I,  and  know 
The  "ptarmigan  that  whitens  ere  his  hour 
Woos  his  own  end;  we  are  not  angels  here 
Nor  shall  be :  vows  —  I  am  woodman  of  the  woods. 
And  hear  the  garnet-headed  °yaffingale 
Mock  them:  my  soul,  we  love  but  wliiie  we  may; 
And  therefore  is  my  love  so  large  for  thee, 
Seeing  it  is  not  bounded  save  by  love.' 

Here  ending,  he  moved  toward  her,  and  she  said: 
*  Good :  an  I  turn'd  away  my  love  for  thee  700 

To  some  one  thrice  as  courteous  as  thyself  — 
For  courtesy  wins  woman  all  as  well 
As  valor  may,  but  he  that  closes  both 
Is  perfect,  he  is  Lancelot  —  taller  indeed, 


214  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Rosier  and  coinelier,  thou  —  but  say  I  loved 
This  knightliest  of  all  knights,  and  cast  thee  back 
Thine  own  small  saw,  "We  love  but  while  we  may," 
Well  then,  what  answer?' 

He  that  while  she  spake. 
Mindful  of  what  he  brought  to  adorn  her  with, 
The  jewels,  had  let  one  finger  lightly  touch  71a 

The  warm  white  apple  of  her  throat,  replied, 
'Press  this  a  °little  closer,  sweet,  until  — 
Come,  I  am  hunger'd  and  half-anger'd  —  meat, 
Wine,  wine  —  and  T  will  love  thee  to  the  death, 
And  out  beyond  into  the  dream  to  come.' 

So  then,  when  both  were  brought  to  full  accord. 
She  rose,  and  set  before  him  all  he  will'd; 
And  after  these  had  comforted  the  blood 
With  meats  and  wines,  and  satiated  their  hearts  — 
Now  talking  of  their  woodland  paradise,  72a 

The  deer,  the  dews,  the  fern,  the  founts,  the  lawns; 
jSTow  mocking  at  the  much  ungainliness, 
And  cra,ven  shifts,  and  long  crane  legs  of  Mark  — 
Then  Tristram  laughing  caught  the  harp  and  sang: 

*Ay,  ay,  0,  ay  —  the  winds  that  bend  the  brier! 
A  star  in  heaven,  a  star  within  the  mere! 
Ay,  ay,  0,  ay  —  a  star  was  my  desire. 
And  one  was  far  apart  and  one  was  near : 
Ay,  ay,  0,  ay  —  the  winds  that  blow  the  grass! 
And  one  was  water  and  one  star  was  fire,  73a 

And  one  will  ever  shine  and  one  will  pass. 
-A-y?  ay,  O,  ay  —  the  winds  that  move  the  mere!  * 

Then  in  the  light's  last  glimmer  Tristram  show'd 
And  swung  the  ruby  carcanet.     She  cried, 


THE    LAST    TOCRXAMKNT  215 

*The  collar  of  some  Order,  which  our  King 
Hath  newly  founded,  all  for  thee,  my  soul, 
For  thee,  to  yield  thee  grace  beyond  thy  peers.' 

*Xot  so,  my  queen,'  he  said,   ^but  the  red  fruit 
Grown  on  a  magic  oak-tree  in  mid-heaven, 
And  won  by  Tristram  as  a  tourney-prize,  740 

And  hither  brought  by  Tristram  for  his  last 
Love-offering  and  peace-offering  unto  thee.' 

He  spoke,  he  turn'd,  then,  flinging  round  her  neck, 
Claspt,  and  cried,  ^  Thine  Order,  O  my  queen ! ' 
But,  while  he  bow'd  to  kiss  the  jewell'd  throat, 
Out  of  tlie  dark,  just  as  the  lips  had  toach'd, 
Behind  him  rose  a- shadow  and  a  shriek  — 
'Mark's  Avay,'  °said  Mark,  and  clove  him  thro'  the  brain. 

That  night  came  Arthur  home,  and  while  he  climb'd, 
All  in  a  death-dumb  autumn-dripping  gloom,  750 

The  stairway  to  the  hall,  and  look'd  and  saw 
The  great  Queen's  bower  was  dark,  — about  his  feet 
A  voice  clung  sobbing  till  he  question'd  it, 
*  What  art  thou?'  and  the  voice  about  his  feet 
Sent  up  an  answer,  sobbing,   '  I  am  thy  fool, 
And  I  shall  never  make  thee  smile  again.' 


GUINEVERE 

Queen  Guinetere  Lad  fled  the  court,  and  sat 
There  in  the  holy  house  at  "Abnesbury 
Weeping,  none  with  her  save  a  little  maid, 
A  °novice :  one  low  light  betwixt  them  burn'd 
BlurrM  by  the  creeping  mist,  for  all  a.broad, 
Beneath  a  moon  unseen  albeit  at  full, 
The  white  mist,  like  a  °face-clotli  to  the  face, 
Clung  to  che  dead  earth,  and  the  land  was  still. 

For  hither  had  slie  fled,  her  cause  of  flight 
Sir  °Modred;  he  that  like  a  subtle  beast  lo 

Lay  couchant  with  his  eyes  upon  the  throne, 
Keady  to  spring,  waiting  a  chance:  for  this 
He  chill' d  the  popular  praises  of  the  King 
With  silent  smiles  of  slow  disparagement; 
And  °tamper'd  Avith  the  Lords  of  the  White  Horse, 
Heathen,  the  °brood  by  Hengist  left;  and  sought 
To  make  disruption  in  the  Table  Round 
Of  Arthur,  and  to  splinter  it  into  feuds 
Serving  his  "traitorous  end;  and  ail  his  aims 
Were  sharpen'd  by  strong  hate  for  Lancelot.  20 

For  thus  it  chanced  one  morn  wlien  all  the  court, 
Green-suited,  but  with  plumes  that  °mock\l  the  may, 
Had  been  —  their  °wont  —  a-maying  and  returned, 
That  Modred  still  in  green,  all  ear  and  eye, 
Climb'd  to  the  high  top  of  the  garden-wall 

216 


GUINEVERE  217 

To  spy  some  secret  '^scandal  if  lie  might, 

And  saw  the  Queen  who  sat  betwixt  her  best 

Enid  and  °lissome  Vivien,  of  her  court 

The  °wiliest  and  the  worst;  and  more  than  this 

He  saw  not,  for  Sir  Lancelot  passing  by  30 

Spied  where  he  couch'd,  and  as  the  gardener's  hand 

Picks  from  the  °colewort  a  green  caterpillar. 

So  from  the  high  wall  and  the  flowering  grove 

Of  grasses  Lancelot  piuck'd  him  by  the  heel, 

And  cast  him  as  a  worm  upon  the  way; 

But  when  he  knew  the  prince  tho'  marr'd  with  dust 

He,  reverencing  °king's  blood  in  a  bad  man, 

Made  such  excuses  as  he  might,  and  these 

Full  knightly  without  scorn:  for  in  those  days 

jSTo  knight  of  Artlmr's  noblest  dealt  in  scorn;  40 

But,  if  a  man  were  °halt,  or  hunch'd,  in  him 

By  those  whom  God  had  made  full-limb'd  and  tall, 

Scorn  was  allow'd  as  part  of  his  defect. 

And  he  was  answer' d  softly  by  the  King 

And  all  his  Table.     So  Sir  Lancelot  °holp 

To  raise  the  prince,  who  rising  twice  or  thrice 

Full  sharply  °smote  his  knees,  and  smiled,  and  went; 

But;  ever  after,  the  small  violence  done 

°Rankled  in  liim  and  ruffled  all  liis  heart. 

As  the  sharp  wind  that  ruffles  all  day  long  50 

A  little  bitter  pool  about  a  stone 

On  the  bare  coast. 

But  when  Sir  Lancelot  told 
This  matter  to  the  Queen,  at  first  she  laugh'd 
Lightly,  to  think  of  Modred's  dusty  fall, 
Then  shudder'd,  as  the  village  wife  who  cries, 
'I  shudder,  some  one  steps  across  my  grave; ' 
Then  laugh'd  again,  but  faintlier,  for  indeed 
She  half -foresaw  that  he,  the  subtle  beast. 


218  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Would  track  her  guilfc  until  lie  found,  and  hers 

Would  be  for  evermore  a  name  of  scorn.  60 

Henceforward  rarely  could  she  front  in  hall, 

Or  elsewhere,  Modred's  "narrow  foxy  face, 

Heart-hiding  smile,  and  gray  persistent  eye. 

Henceforward  too,  the  Powers  tliat  °tend  the  sou\, 

To  help  it  from  the  death  that  cannot  die, 

And  save  it  even  in  extremes,  began 

To  vex  and  plague  her.     Many  a  time  for  hours. 

Beside  the  placid  breathings  of  the  King, 

In  the  dead  night,  grim  faces  came  and  went 

Before  her,  or  a  vague  spiritual  fear —  70 

Like  to  some  doubtful  noise  of  creaking  doors. 

Heard  by  the  watcher  in  a  haunted  house. 

That  keeps  the  °rust  of  murder  on  the  walls  — 

Held  her  awake:  or  if  she  slept  she  dream'd 

An  awful  dream;  for  then  she  seem'd  to  stand 

On  some  vast  plain  before  a  setting  sun, 

And  from  the  sun  there  swiftly  made  at  her 

A  ghastly  something,  and  its  shadow  flew 

Before  it  till  it  touch'd  her,  and  she  turn'd  — 

When  lo!  her  own,  that  broadening  from  her  feet,         80 

And  blackening,  swallow'd  all  the  land,  and  in  it 

Far  cities  burnt,  and  w4th  a  cry  she  Woke. 

And  all  this  trouble  did  not  pass  but  grew. 

Till  even  tlie  clear  face  of  the  guileless  King, 

And  trustful  courtesies  of  household  life. 

Became  her  °bane;  and  at  last  she  said, 

^  0  Lancelot,  get  thee  hence  to  thine  °own  land. 

For  if  thou  tarry  w^e  shall  meet  again. 

And  if  we  meet  again  some  evil  chance 

Will  make  the  smouldering  °scandal  break  and  blaze     90 

Before  the  people  and  our  lord  the  King.' 

And  Lancelot  ever  promised,  but  remain'd. 

And  still  they  met  and  met.     Again  she  said; 


GUINEVERE  219 

^0  Lancelot,  if  thou  love  me  get  thee  hence.' 

And  then  they  were  agreed  upon  a  night  — 

When  the  good  King  should  not  be  there  —  to  meet 

And  part  for  ever.     Vivien,  lurking,  heard. 

She  told  Sir  Modred.     Passion-pale  they  met 

And  greeted.     Hands  in  hands,  and  eye  to  eye, 

Low  on  the  border  of  her  couch  they  sat  loo 

Stammering  and  staring.     It  was  their  last  hour, 

A  madness  of  farewells.     And  Modred  brought 

His  creatures  to  the  basement  of  the  tower 

For  testimony;  and  crying  w^ith  full  voice, 

^Traitor,  come  out,  ye  are  trapt  at  last,'  aroused 

Lancelot,  who  rushing  outward  lionlike 

Leapt  on  him,  and  hurl'd  him  headlong,  and  he  fell 

Stunn'd,  and  his  creatures  took  and  bare  him  off. 

And  all  was  still.     Then  she,  '  The  end  is  come, 

And  I  am  shamed  for  ever; '  and  he  said:  no 

^Mine  be  the  shame;  mine  w^as  the  sin:  but  rise. 

And  fly  to  my  strong  castle  over-seas : 

There  will  I  hide  thee  till  my  life  shall  end. 

There  hold  thee  with  my  life  against  the  world.' 

She  answer'd:   ^Lancelot,  wilt  thou  hold  me  so? 

Xay,  friend,  for  we  have  taken  our  farewells. 

Would  God  that  thou  couldst  hide  me  from  myself! 

Mine  is  the  shame,  for  I  was  wife,  and  thou 

Unwedded;  yet  rise  now,  and  let  us  fly, 

For  I  will  °draw  me  into  sanctuary,  120 

And  bide  my  doom.'     So  Lancelot  got  her  horse. 

Set  her  thereon,  and  mounted  on  his  own, 

And  then  they  rode  to  the  divided  way, 

There  kiss'd,  and  parted  weeping:  for  he  past, 

Love-loyal  to  the  least  wish  of  the  Queen, 

Back  to  liis  laud;  but  she  to  Almesbury 

Fled  all  night  long  by  glimmering  waste  and  weald, 

And  heard  the  spirits  of  the  waste  and  weald 


220  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KIXG 

Moan  as  she  fled,  or  tliouglit  she  heard  them  moan: 
And  in  herself  she  moan'd,  ^Too  late,  too  late!'  130 

Till  in  the  cold  wind  that  foreruns  the  morn, 
A  blot  in  heaven,  the  °raven,  flying  high, 
Croak'd,  and  she  thought,  ^He  spies  a  field  of  death; 
For  now  the  °heathen  of  the  Northern  Sea, 
^Lured  by  the  crimes  and  frailties  of  the  court, 
Begin  to  slay  the  folk  and  spoil  tlie  land.' 

And  when  she  came  to  Almesbury  she  spake 
There  to  the  nuns,  and  said,  'Mine  enemies 
Pursue  me,  but,  0  peaceful  Sisterhood, 
Receive  and  yield  me  sanctuary,  nor  ask  140 

Her  name  to  whom  ye  yield  it  till  her  time 
To  tell  you ; '  and  her  beauty,  grace,  and  power 
Wrought  as  a  charm  upon  them,  and  they  spared 
To  ask  it. 

So  the  stately  Queen  abode 
For  many  a  week,  unknown,  among  the  nuns, 
Nor  with  them  mix'd,  nor  told  her  name,  nor  sought, 
Wrapt  in  her  grief,  for  °housel  or  for  shrift. 
But  communed  only  with  the  °little  maid. 
Who  })leased  her  with  a  babbling  heedlessness 
Which  often  lured  her  from  herself;  but  now,  150 

This  °night,  a  rumor  wildly  blown  about 
Came  that  Sir  ^Lodred  had  usurp'd  the  realm 
And  leagued  °him  with  the  heathen,  while  the  King 
Was  waging  war  on  Lancelot :  then  she  thought, 
'With  what  a  hate  the  pjeople  and  the  King 
Must  hate  me,'  and  bow'd  down  upon  her  hands 
Silent,  until  the  little  maid,  who  brook'd 
No  silence,  brake  it,  uttering  'Late!  so  late! 
What  hour,  I  wonder  now?  '  and  when  she  drew 
No  answer,  by  and  by  began  to  hum  160 


GUINEVERE  221 

An  air  the  nuns  had  taught  lier:   ^Late,  so  hite! ' 
Which  when  she  heard,  tlie  Queen  look'd  up,  and  said 
'  0  maiden,  if  indeed  ye  list  to  sing, 
Sing,  and  unbind  my  heart  that  I  may  weep.' 
Whereat  full  willingly  sang  the  little  maid. 

°  ^Late,  late,  so  late!  and  dark  the  night  and  chill! 
Late,  late,  so  late !  but  we  can  enter  still. 
Too  late,  too  late !  ye  cannot  enter  now. 

*  Xo  light  had  we :  for  that  we  do  repent. 
And  learning  this,  the  bridegroom  will  relent.  170 

Too  late,  too  late!  ye  cannot  enter  now. 

^Xo  light:  so  late!  and  dark  and  chill  the  night! 
0,  let  us  in,  that  we  may  find  the  light! 
Too  late,  too  late !  ye  cannot  enter  now. 

*Have  we  not  heard  the  bridegroom  is  so  sweet? 
0,  let  us  in,  tho'  late,  to  kiss  his  feet! 
No,  no,  too  late!  ye  cannot  enter  now.' 

So  sang  the  novice,  while  full  passionately, 
Her  head  upon  her  hands,  remembering 
Her  "thought  when  first  she  came,  wept  the  sad  Queen.    1  Sc 
Then  said  the  little  novice  prattling  to  her: 

'0  pray  you,  noble  lady,  weep  no  more; 
But  let  my  words  —  the  words  of  one  so  small, 
Who  knowing  nothing  knows  but  to  obey. 
And  if  I  do  not  there  is  penance  given  — 
Comfort  your  sorrows ;  for  they  do  not  flow 
From  evil  done :  right  sure  am  I  of  that. 
Who  see  your  tender  grace  and  stateliness. 
But  weigh  your  sorrows  with  our  lord  the  King's, 


222  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  weighing  find  them  less ;  for  gone  is  lie  190 

To  wage  grim  war  against  Sir  Lancelot  there, 

Kound  that  strong  castle  where  he  holds  the  Queen; 

And  °Modred  whom  he  left  in  charge  of  all, 

The  traitor  —  Ah,  sweet  lady,  the  King's  grief 

For  his  own  self,  and  his  own  Queen,  and  realm, 

Must  needs  be  thrice  as  great  as  any  of  ours! 

For  me,  I  thank  the  saints,  I  am  not  great; 

For  if  there  ever  come  a  grief  to  me 

I  cry  my  cry  in  silence,  and  have  done : 

None  knows  it,  and  my  tears  have  brought  me  good.    20a 

But  even  were  the  griefs  of  little  ones 

As  great  as  those  of  great  ones,  yet  this  grief 

Is  added  to  the  griefs  the  great  must  bear, 

That,  howsoever  much  they  may  desire 

Silence,  they  cannot  weep  behind  a  cloud; 

As  even  here  they  talk  at  Almesbury 

About  the  good  King  and  his  wicked  Queen, 

And  were  I  such  a  King  -with  such  a  Queen, 

ATell  might  I  wish  to  veil  her  wickedness. 

But  were  I  such  a  King  it  could  not  be.'  210 


Then  to  her  own  sad  heart  mutter'd  the  Queen, 
*  Will  the  child  kill  me  with  her  innocent  talk? ' 
But  openly  she  answer'd,  'Must  not  I, 
If  this  false  traitor  have  displaced  his  lord. 
Grieve  with  the  common  grief  of  all  the  realm? ' 

'Yea,'  said  the  maid,  Hhis  is  all  °woman's  grief, 
That  she  is  w^oman,  whose  disloyal  life 
Hath  wrought  confusion  in  the  Table  Kound 
Which  good  King  Arthur  founded,  years  ago, 
With  signs  and  miracles  and  wonders,  there 
At  Camelot,  ere  the  coming  of  the  Queen.' 


GUINEVERE  223 

Then  thought  the  Queen  within  herself  again, 
<Will  the  child  kill  me  with  her  foolish  jjrate?' 
But  openly  she  spake  and  said  to  her, 
'  0  little  maid,  slmt  in  b}^  nunnery  walls. 
What  canst  thou  know  of  Kings  and  Tables  Round, 
Or  what  of  signs  and  wonders,  but  the  signs 
And  simple  miracles  of  thy  nunnery?  ' 

To  whom  the  little  novice  garrulously: 
^  Yea,  but  I  know:  the  land  was  full  of  signs  23a 

And  wonders  ere  the  coming  of  the  Queen. 
So  said  my  father,  and  himself  was  knight 
Of  the  great  Table  — •  at  the  founding  of  it, 
And  rode  thereto  from  °Lyonnesse ;  and  he  said 
That  as  he  rode,  an  hour  or  maybe  twain 
After  the  sunset,  down  the  coast,  he  heard 
Strange  music,  and  he  paused,  and  turning — tliere, 
All  down  the  lonely  coast  of  Lyonnesse, 
Each  with  a  beacon-star  upon  his  head. 
And  with  a  wild  sea-light  about  his  feet,  24a 

He  saw  them  —  headland  after  headland  flame 
Far  on  into  the  rich  heart  of  the  west : 
And  in  the  light  the  white  °mermaiden  swam, 
And  strong  °man-breasted  things  stood  from  the  sea, 
And  sent  a  deep  sea-voice  thro'  all  the  land. 
To  which  the  little  elves  of  chasm  and  cleft 
Made  answer,  sounding  like  a  distant  horn. 
So  said  my  father  —  yea,  and  furthermore, 
Next  morning,  while  he  past  the  dim-lit  woods. 
Himself  beheld  three  spirits  mad  with  joy  250 

Come  dashing  down  on  a  tall  wayside  flower, 
That  shook  beneath  them  as  the  thistle  shakes 
When  three  gray  linnets  wrangle  for  the  seed: 
And  still  at  evenings  on  before  his  horse 
The  flickering  fairy-circle  wlieel'd  and  broke 


224  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Fl^'iiig,  and  link'd  again,  and  wheel'd  and  broke 

Flying,  for  all  the  land  was  full  of  life. 

And  when  at  last  he  came  to  Camelot, 

A  wreath  of  airy  dancers  hand-in-hand 

Swung  round  the  lighted  lantern  of  the  hall;  260 

And  in  tlie  hall  itself  was  such  a  feast 

As  never  man  had  dream'd;  for  every  knight 

Had  whatsoever  meat  he  long'd  for  served 

By  hands  unseen;   and  even  as  he  said 

Down  in  the  cellars  merry  bloated  things 

Shoulder'd  the  °spigot,  straddling  on  the  butts 

While  the  wine  ran :  so  glad  were  spirits  and  men 

Before  the  coming  of  the  sinful  Queen.' 

Then  spake  the  Queen  and  somewhat  bitterly, 
'Were  they  so  glad?  ill  prophets  were  they  all,  270 

Spirits  and  men :  could  none  of  them  foresee. 
Not  even  thy  wise  father  with  his  signs 
And  wonders,  what  has  fallen  upon  the  realm?' 

To  whom  the  novice  garrulously  again: 
*Yea,  one,  a  bard;   of  whom  my  father  said, 
Full  manj^  a  noble  war-song  had  he  sung. 
Even  in  the  presence  of  an  enemy's  fleet. 
Between  the  steep  cliff  and  the  coming  wave; 
And  many  a  mystic  lay  of  life  and  death 
Had  chanted  on  the  smoky  mountain-tops,  280 

When  round  him  bent  the  spirits  of  the  hills 
With  all  their  dewy  hair  blown  back  like  flame. 
So  said  my  father  —  and  °that  night  the  bard 
Sang  Arthur's  glorious  wars,  and  sang  the  King 
As  wellnigh  more  than  man,  and  rail'd  at  those 
Who  call'd  him  the  false  son  of  °GorloTs : 
For  there  was  no  man  knew  from  whence  he  came; 
But  after  tempest,  when  the  long  wave  broke 


GUIXEVERE  225 

All  down  the  thundering  shores  of  °Bude  and  Bos, 

There  came  a  day  as  still  as  heaven,  and  then  290 

They  found  a  naked  child  upon  the  sands 

Of  dark  °Tintagil  by  the  Cornish  sea, 

And  that  was  Arthur;  and  they  foster'd  him 

Till  he  by  "miracle  was  approven  King: 

And  that  his  grave  should  be  a  mystery 

From  all  men,  like  his  birth ;  and  could  he  find 

A  woman  in  her  womanhood  as  great 

As  he  was  in  his  manhood,  then,  he  sang, 

The  °twain  together  well  might  change  the  world. 

But  even  in  the  middle  of  his  song  300 

He  falter'd,  and  his  hand  fell  from  the  harp, 

And  pale  he  turn'd,  and  reel'd,  and  would  have  fallen, 

But  that  they  stay'd  him  up;  nor  would  he  tell 

His  vision;  but  what  doubt  that  he  foresaw 

This  evil  work  of  Lancelot  and  the  Queen? ' 

Then  thought  the  Queen,  'Lo!  they  have  set  her  on. 
Our  simple-seeming  abbess  and  her  nuns, 
To  play  upon  me,'  and  bow'-d  her  head  nor  spake. 
Whereat  the  novice  crying,  with  clasp'd  hands. 
Shame  on  her  own  garrulity  garrulously,  310 

Said  the  good  nuns  would  check  her  gadding  tongue 
Full  often,  'and,  sweet  lady,  if  I  seem 
To  vex  an  ear  too  sad  to  listen  to  me. 
Unmannerly,  with  prattling  and  the  tales 
Which  my  good  father  told  me,  check  me  too, 
Xor  let  me  shame  my  father's  memory,  one 
Of  noblest  manners,  tho'  himself  would  say 
Sir  Lancelot  had  the  noblest;  and  he  died, 
Kill'd  in  a  tilt,  °come  next,  five  summers  back, 
And  left  me;  but  of  others  who  remain,  320 

And  of  the  two  first-famed  for"  courtesy  — 
And  pray  you  check  me  if  I  ask  amiss  — 
o 


226  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

But  pray  you,  °whicli  had  noblest,  while  you  moved 
Among  them,  Lancelot  or  our  lord  the  King?  * 

Then  the  pale  Queen  lookM  up  and  answer'd  her; 

^  Sir  Lancelot,  as  became  a  noble  knight, 

Was  gracious  to  all  ladies,  and  the  same 

In  open  battle  or  the  tilting-lield 

Forbore  his  own  **advantage,  and  the  King 

In  open  battle  or  the  tilting-field  33t 

Forbore  his  own  advantage,  and  these  two 

Were  the  most  nobly-manner'd  men  of  allj 

For  manners  are  not  idle,  but  the  fruit 

Of  loyal  nature  and  of  noble  mind.  * 

*Yea,'  said  the  maid,  *be  ^manners  such  fair  fruit? 
Then  Lancelot's  needs  must  be  a  thousand-fold 
Less  noble,  being,  as  all  rumor  runs. 
The  most  disloyal  friend  in  all  the  world.' 

To  which  a  mournful  answer  made  the  Queen; 
*  0,  °closed  about  by  narrowing  nunnery-walls,  340 

What  knowest  thou  of  the  world  and  all  its  lights 
And  shadows,  all  the  wealth  and  all  the  woe? 
If  ever  Lancelot,  that  most  noble  knight, 
Were  for  one  hour  less  noble  than  himself. 
Pray  for  him  that  lie  scape  the  °doom  of  fire. 
And  weep  for  her  who  drew  him  to  his  doom.' 

*  Yea,'  said  the  little  novice,  <I  pray  for  both; 
But  I  should  all  as  soon  believe  that  his. 
Sir  Lancelot's,  were  as  noble  as  the  King's, 
As  I  could  think,  sweet  lady,  yours  would  be  350 

Such  as  they  are,  were  you  the  sinful  Queen.' 


GUINEVERE  227 

So  she,  like  many  another  babbler,  hurt 
Whom  she  would  soothe,  and  harm'd  where  she  would 

heal; 
For  here  a  sudden  flush  of  wrathful  heat 
Fired  all  the  pale  face  of  the  Queen,  who  cried: 
^  Such  as  thou  art  be  never  maiden  more 
For  ever!  thou  their  tool,  set  on  to  plague 
And  play  upon  and  harry  me,  petty  spy 
•A.nd  traitress! '     When  that  storm  of  anger  brake 
From  Guinevere,  aghast  the  maiden  rose,  360 

White  as  her  veil,  and  stood  before  the  Queen 
As  tremulously  as  foam  upon  the  beach 
Stands  in  a  wind,  ready  to  break  and  fly, 
And  when  the  Queen  had  added,  *  Get  thee  hence  I ' 
Fled  frighted.     Then  that  other  left  alone 
Sigh'd,  and  began  to  gather  heart  again. 
Saying  in  herself:   'The  simple,  fearful  child 
Meant  nothing,  but  my  own  too-fearful  guilt, 
Simpler  than  any  child,  betrays  itself. 
But  help  me,  Heaven,  for  surely  I  repent!  370 

For  what  is  true  repentance  but  in  thought  — 
Not  even  in  inmost  thought  to  think  again 
The  sins  that  made  the  past  so  pleasant  to  us? 
And  I  have  sworn  never  to  see  him  more, 
To  see  him  more.' 

And  even  in  saying  this, 
Her  memory  from  old  habit  of  the  mind 
Went  slipping  back  upon  the  golden  days 
In  which  she  saw  him  first,  when  "Lancelot  came, 
Keputed  the  best  knight  and  goodliest  man, 
Ambassador,  to  yield  lier  to  his  lord  380 

Arthur,  and  led  her  forth,  and  far  ahead 
Of  his  and  her  retinue  moving,  they, 
Eapt  in  sweet  talk  or  lively,  all  on  love 


228  IDYLLS    OF    THE   KING 

And  sport  and  tilts  and  pleasure,  — for  the  time 

Was  may-time,  and  as  yet  no  sin  was  dream'd,  — 

•Rode  under  groves  that  look'd  a  paradise 

Of  blossom,  over  sheets  of  hyacinth 

That  seem'd  the  heavens  upbreaking  thro'  the  earth, 

And  on  from  hill  to  hill,  and  every  day 

Beheld  at  noon  in  some  delicious  dale  390 

The  silk  pavilions  of  King  Arthur  raised 

For  brief  repast  or  afternoon  repose 

By  couriers  gone  before;  and  on  again. 

Till  yet  once  more  ere  set  of  sun  they  saw 

The  °Dragon  of  the  great  Pendragonship, 

That  crown'd  the  state  pavilion  of  the  King, 

Blaze  by  the  rushing  brook  or  silent  well. 


But  when  the  Queen  immersed  in  such  a  trance, 
And  moving  thro'  the  past  unconsciously. 
Came  to  that  point  where  first  she  saw  the  King  400 

Ride  toward  her  from  the  city,  sigh'd  to  find 
Her  journey  done,  glanced  at  him,  °thought  him  cold, 
High,  self-contain'd,  and  passionless,  not  like  him, 
'  Not  like  my  Lancelot '  —  while  she  brooded  thus 
And  grew  half-guilty  in  her  thoughts  again, 
There  rode  an  armed  warrior  to  the  doors. 
A  murmuring  whisper  thro'  the  nunnery  ran. 
Then  on  a  sudden  a  cry,  ^The  King! '     She  sat 
Stiff-stricken,  listening;  but  when  armed  feet 
Thro'  the  long  gallery  from  the  outer  doors  410 

Rang  coming,  prone  from  oft'  her  seat  she  fell. 
And  grovell'd  with  her  face  against  the  floor. 
There  with  her  milk-white  arms  and  shadowy  hair 
She  made  her  face  a  darkness  from  the  King, 
And  in  the  darkness  heard  his  armed  feet 
Pause  by  her;  then  came  silence,  then  a  voice, 


GUINEVERE  229 

Monotonous  and  hollow  like  a  ghost's 

Denouncing  judgment,  but,  tlio'  changed,  the  King's. 

^Liest  thou  here  so  low,  the  child  of  °one 
I  honor'd,  happy,  dead  before  thy  shame?  420 

Well  is  it  that  no  child  is  born  of  thee. 
The  children  born  of  thee  are  sword  and  fire. 
Red  ruin,  and  the  breaking  up  of  laws. 
The  °craft  of  kindred  and  the  godless  hosts 
Of  heathen  swarming  o'er  the  Northern  Sea; 
Whom  I,  while  yet  Sir  Lancelot,  my  right  arm, 
The  mightiest  of  my  knights,  abode  with  me. 
Have  everywhere  about  this  land  of  Christ 
In  °twelve  great  battles  ruining  overthrown. 
And  knowest  thou  now  from  whence  I  come  —  from 

him,  430 

From  waging  bitter  war  with  him;  and  he, 
That  did  not  shun  to  smite  me  in  worse  way, 
Had  yet  that  grace  of  courtesy  in  him  left. 
He  spared  to  lift  his  hand  against  the  King 
Who  made  him  knight:  but  many  a  knight  was  slain; 
And  many  more  and  all  his  kith  and  kin 
Clave  to  him,  and  abode  in  his  own  land. 
And  many  more  when  Modred  raised  revolt, 
Forgetful  of  their  °troth  and  fealty,  clave 
To  Modred,  and  a  remnant  stays  with  me.  44a 

And  of  this  remnant  will  T  leave  a  part. 
True  men  who  love  me  still,  for  whom  I  live. 
To  guard  thee  in  the  wild  hour  coming  on. 
Lest  but  a  hair  of  this  low  head  be  harm'd. 
Fear  not:  thou  shalt  be  guarded  till  my  death. 
Howbeit  I  know,  if  ancient  prophecies 
Have  err'd  not,  that  I  march  to  meet  my  doom. 
Thou  hast  not  made  my  life  so  sweet  to  me, 
That  I  the  King  should  greatly  care  to  live; 


230  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

For  thou  hast  spoilt  the  ^purpose  of  my  life.  450 

Bear  with  me  for  the  last  time  while  I  show, 

Even  for  th}^  sake,  the  sin  which  thou  hast  sinn'd. 

For  when  the  Roman  left  us,  and  their  law 

Relax'd  its  hold  upon  us,  and  the  ways 

Were  fill'd  with  rapine,  here  and  there  a  deed 

Of  prowess  done  redress 'd  a  random  wrong. 

But  I  was  first  of  all  the  kings  who  drew 

The  °knighthood-errant  of  this  realm  and  all 

The  realms  together  under  me,  their  Head, 

In  that  fair  Order  of  my  Table  Round,  460 

A  glorious  company,  tlie  flower  of  men, 

To  serve  as  model  for  the  mighty  world, 

And  be  the  fair  beginning  of  a  time. 

I  made  them  °lay  their  hands  in  mine  and  swear 

To  reverence  the  King,  as  if  he  were 

Their  conscience,  and  their  conscience  as  their  King, 

To  break  the  heathen  and  uphold  the  Christ, 

To  ride  abroad  redressing  human  wrongs, 

To  speak  no  slander,  no,  nor  listen  to  it. 

To  honor  his  own  word  as  if  his  God's,  470 

To  lead  sweet  lives  in  purest  chastity, 

To  love  one  maiden  only,  cleave  to  her, 

And  worship  her  by  years  of  noble  deeds, 

Until  they  won  her;  for  indeed  I  knew 

Of  no  more  subtle  master  under  heaven 

Tlian  is  the  maiden  passion  for  a  maid, 

Not  only  to  keep  down  the  base  in  man, 

But  teach  high  thought,  and  amiable  words 

And  courtliness,  and  the  desire  of  fame. 

And  love  of  truth,  and  all  that  makes  a  man.  480 

And  all  this  throve  before  I  wedded  thee, 

Believing,  "Lo,  mine  "helpmate,  one  to  feel 

]\Iy  purpose  and  rejoicing  in  my  joy !  " 

Then  came  thy  shameful  sin  with  Lancelot; 


GUINF.VERE  231 

Then  came  the  sin  of  Tristram  and  Isolt; 

Then  others,  following  these  my  mightiest  knights, 

And  drawing  foul  °ensample  from  fair  names, 

Sinn'd  also,  till  the  ^loathsome  opposite 

Of  all  my  heart  had  destined  °did  obtain. 

And  all  thro'  thee!  so  that  this  life  of  mine  490 

I  guard  as  God^s  high  gift  from  scathe  and  wrong, 

Xot  greatly  care  to  lose;  but  rather  think 

How  sad  it  were  for  Arthur,  should  he  live, 

To  sit  once  more  within  his  lonely  hall, 

And  miss  the  wonted  number  of  my  knights, 

And  miss  to  hear  high  talk  of  noble  deeds 

As  in  the  golden  days  before  thy  sin. 

For  which  of  us  who  might  be  left  could  speak 

Of  the  pure  heart,  nor  °seem  to  glance  at  thee? 

And  in  thy  °bowers  of  Camelot  or  of  Usk  500 

Thy  shadow  still  would  glide  from  room  to  room, 

And  I  should  evermore  be  vext  with  thee 

In  hanging  robe  or  °vacant  ornament. 

Or  ghostly  footfall  echoing  on  the  stair. 

For  think  not,  tho'  thou  wouldst  not  love  thy  lord, 

Thy  lord  has  wholly  lost  his  love  for  thee. 

I  am  not  made  of  so  °slight  elements. 

Yet  must  I  leave  thee,  woman,  to  thy  shame. 

I  hold  that  man  the  worst  of  public  foes 

Who  either  for  his  own  or  children's  sake,  510 

To  save  his  blood  from  scandal,  lets  the  wife 

AVhom  he  knows  false  abide  and  rule  the  house : 

For  being  thro'  his  cowardice  allow'd 

Her  station,  taken  everywhere  for  pure. 

She  like  a  new  disease,  unknown  to  men. 

Creeps,  no  precaution  used,  among  the  crowd. 

Makes  wicked  lightnings  of  her  eyes,  and  saps 

The  fealty  of  our  friends,  and  stirs  the  pulse 

With  devil's  leaps,  and  poisons  half  the  voung. 


232  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

AYorst  of  the  worst  were  that  man  lie  that  reigns!         520 
Better  the  King's  waste  hearth  and  aching  heart 
Than  thou  reseated  in  thy  place  of  light, 
The  mockery  of  my  people  and  their  bane ! ' 

He  paused,  and  in  the  pause  she  crept  an  inch 
Xearer,  and  laid  her  hands  about  his  feet. 
Far  off  a  solitary  trumpet  blew. 
Then  waiting  by  the  doors  the  war-horse  neigh 'd 
As  g.t  a  friend's  voice,  and  he  spake  again; 

*  Yet  think  not  that  I  came  to  urge  thy  crimes; 
I  did  not  come  to  curse  thee,  Guinevere,  530 

I,  whose  vast  pity  almost  makes  me  die 
To  see  thee,  laying  there  thy  golden  head. 
My  pride  in  happier  summers,  at  my  feet. 
The  wrath  .which  forced  my  thoughts  on  that  fierce  law, 
The  °doom  of  treason  and  the  flaming  death,  — 
When  first  I  learnt  thee  hidden  here,  — is  past. 
The  pang  —  which,  while  I  weigh'd  thy  heart  with  °one 
Too  wholly  true  to  dream  untruth  in  thee, 
^lade  my  tears  burn  —  is  also  past  —  in  part. 
And  all  is  past,  the  sin  is  sinn'd,  and  I,  540 

Lo,  I  forgive  thee,  as  Eternal  God 
Forgives!  do  thou  for  thine  own  soul  the  rest. 
But  how  to  take  last  leave  of  all  I  loved? 

0  golden  hair,  with  which  I  used  to  pl»y 
Not  knowing!     O  imperial-moulded  form, 
And  beauty  such  as  never  woman  wore, 
Until  it  came  a  kingdom's  curse  with  thee  — 

1  cannot  touch  thy  lips,  they  are  not  mine. 

But  Lancelot's;  nay,  they  never  were  the  King's. 
I  cannot  take  thy  hand;  that  too  is  flesh,  550 

And  in  the  flesh  thou  hast  sinn'd;  and  mine  own  flesh, 
Here  looking  down  on  thine  polluted,  cries, 


GUINEVERE  233 

^'  I  loathe  thee :  "  yet  not  less,  0  Guinevere, 

For  I  was  ever  virgin  save  for  thee, 

My  love  thro'  flesh  hath  wrought  into  my  life 

So  far  that  my  doom  is,  I  love  thee  still. 

Let  no  man  dream  but  that  I  love  thee  still. 

Perchance,  and  so  thou  purify  thy  soul, 

And  so  thou  lean  on  our  °fair  father  Christ, 

Hereafter  in  that  world  where  all  are  pure  560 

We  two  may  meet  before  high  God,  and  thou 

Wilt  spring  to  me,  and  claim  me  thine,  and  know 

I  am  thine  husband  —  not  a  small  soul, 

Nor  Lancelot,  nor  another.     Leave  me  that, 

I  cjiarge  thee,  my  last  hope.     Xow  must  I  hence. 

Thro'  the  thick  night  I  hear  the  trumpet  blow: 

They  summon  me  their  King  to  lead  mine  hosts 

Far  down  to  that  great  battle  in  the  west. 

Where  I  must  strike  against  the  man  they  call 

My  °sister's  son  —  no  kin  of  mine,  who  leagues  570 

With  Lords  of  the  White  Horse,  heathen,  and  knights, 

Traitors  —  and  strike  liim  dead,  and  meet  myself 

Death,  or  I  know  not  what  mysterious  doom. 

And  thou  remaining  here  wilt  learn  the  event; 

But  hither  shall  I  never  come  again, 

Xever  lie  by  thy  side,  see  thee  no  more  — • 

Farewell ! '  "^       " 

And  while  slie  grovellM  at  his  feet, 
She  felt  the  King's  breath  wander  o'er  her  neck. 
And  in  the  darkness  o'er  her  fallen  head 
Perceived  the  waving  of  his  hands  tliat  blest.  5S0 

Then,  listening  till  those  armed  steps  were  gone, 
Rose  the  pale  Queen,  and  in  her  anguish  found 
The  casement:    'peradventure,'  so  she  thought, 
*If  I  might  see  his  face,  and  not  be  seen,' 


234  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  lo,  lie  sat  on  liorseback  at  the  door! 

And  near  liini  the  sad  nuns  with  each  a  light 

Stood,  and  he  gave  them  charge  about  the  Queen, 

To  guard  and  foster  her  for  evermore. 

And  while  he  spake  to  these  his  helm  was  lower'd, 

To  whicli  for  crest  the  golden  dragon  clung  590 

Of  Britain;  so  she  did  not  see  the  face, 

Which  then  was  as  an  angel's,  but  she  saw, 

Wet  with  the  mists  and  smitten  by  the  lights, 

The  Dragon  of  the  great  Pendragonsliip 

Blaze,  ]naking  all  the  night  a  steam  of  fire. 

And  even  then  he  turn'd;  and  more  and  more 

The  moony  vapor  rolling  round  the  King,  ^ 

Who  seem'd  the  phantom  of  a  giant  in  it, 

Enwound  him  fold  by  fold,  and  made  him  gray 

And  grayer,  till  himself  became  as  mist  600 

Before  her,  moving  ghostlike  to  his  doom. 

Then  she  stretched  out  her  arms  and  cried  aloud, 
^0  Arthur! '  there  her  voice  brake  suddenl}', 
Then  —  as  a  stream  that  spouting  from  a  clitf 
Fails  in  mid  air,  but  gathering  at  the  base 
Ke-makes  itself,  and  flashes  down  the  vale  — 
Went  on  in  passionate  utterance : 

^  Gone  —  my  lord  I 
Gone  thro'  my  sin  to  slay  and  to  be  slain! 
And  he  forgave  me,  and  I  could  not  speak. 
Farewell?     I  should  have  answer'd  his  farewell.  610 

His  mercy  °choked  me.     Gone,  my  lord  the  King, 
]\ry  own  true  lord!  how  dare  I  call  him  mine? 
The  shadow  of  "another  cleaves  to  me, 
And  makes  me  one  pollution:  he,  the  King, 
Call'd  me  polluted:  shall  I  kill  myself? 


GUINEVERE  235 

What  help  in  that?     I  cannot  kill  my  sin, 

If  soul  be  soul;  nor  can  I  kill  my  shame; 

Xo,  nor  by  living  can  I  live  it  down. 

The  days  will  grow  to  weeks,  the  weeks  to  months, 

The  months  will  add  themselves  and  make  the  years,    620 

The  years  will  roll  into  the  centuries, 

And  mine  will  ever  be  a  name  of  scorn. 

I  must  not  dwell  on  that  defeat  of  fame. 

Let  the  world  be ;  that  is  but  of  the  world  — 

What  else?  what  hope?     I  think  there  w^as  a  hope, 

Except  he  mock'd  me  when  he  spake  of  hope; 

His  hope  he  call'd  it;  but  he  never  mocks, 

For  mockery  is  the  fume  of  little  hearts. 

And  blessed  be  the  King,  who  hath  forgiven 

My  wickedness  to  him,  and  left  me  hope  630 

That  in  mine  own  heart  I  can  live  down  sin 

And  be  his  mate  hereafter  in  the  heavens 

Before  high  God!     Ah  great  and  gentle  lord. 

Who  wast,  as  is  the  conscience  of  a  saint 

Among  his  warring  senses,  to  th}'  knights  — 

To  whom  my  false  voluptuous  pride,  that  took 

Full  easily  all  impressions  from  below, 

Would  not  look  up,  or  half -despised  the  height 

To  which  I  would  not  or  I  could  not  climb  — 

I  thought  I  could  not  breathe  in  that  fine  air,  640 

That  pure  severity  of  perfect  light  — 

I-yearn'd  for  warmth  and  color  which  I  found 

In  Lancelot  —  now  I  see  thee  what  thou  art. 

Thou  art  the  highest  and  most  human  too, 

Not  Lancelot,  nor  another.     Is  there  none 

Will  tell  the  King  I  love  him  tho'  so  late?_ 

Xow  —  ere  he  goes  to  the  great  battle?  none: 

Myself  must  tell  him  in  that  purer  life. 

But  now  °it  were  too  daring.     Ah  my  God, 

What  might  I  not  have  made  of  thy  fair  world,  650 


236  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Had  I  but  loved  thy  higliest  creature  liere? 
Tt  was  my  duty  to  have  loved  the  highest; 
It  surely  was  my  profit  had  I  known ; 
It  would  have  been  my  pleasure  had  I  seen. 
We  needs  must  love  the  highest  when  we  see  it, 
Nor  Lancelot,  nor  another.' 

Here  her  hand 
Grasp'd,  made  her  °vail  her  eyes:  she  look'd  and  saw 
The  novice,  weeping,  suppliant,  and  said  to  her, 
*  Yea,  little  maid,  for  am  /not  forgiven?' 
Then  glancing  up  beheld  the  holy  nuns  660 

All  round  her,  weeping;  and  her  heart  was  loosed 
Within  her,  and  she  wept  with  these  and  said: 

'  Ye  know  me  then,  that  wicked  one,  who  broke 
The  vast  design  and  purpose  of  the  King. 
0,  shut  me  round  with  narrowing  nunner3^-walls. 
Meek  maidens,  from  the  voices  crying,  "Shame!  " 
I  must  not  scorn  myself;  he  loves  me  still. 
Let  no  one  dream  but  that  he  loves  me  still. 
So  let  me,  if  you  do  not  shudder  at  me, 
Nor  shun  to  call  me  sister,  dwell  with  you ;  670 

Wear  black  and  white,  and  be  a  nun  like  you. 
Fast  with  your  fasts,  not  feasting  with  your  feasts; 
Grieve  with  your  griefs,  not  grieving  at  your  joys. 
But  not  rejoicing;  mingle  with  your  rites; 
Pray  and  be  pray'd  for;  lie  before  your  shrines; 
Do  each  low  office  of  your  holy  house; 
Walk  your  dim  cloister,  and  distribute  °dole 
To  poor  sick  people,  richer  in  His  eyes 
Who  ransom'd  us,  and  °haler  too  than  I; 
And  treat  their  loathsome  hurts  and  heal  mine  own;    680 
And  so  wear  out  in  alms-deed  and  in  prayer 


GVIXEVKKE  237 

The  sombre  close  of  that  voluptuous  day 
Which  wrought  the  ruin  of  my  lord  the  King.' 

She  said:  they  took  her  to  themselves;  and  she 
Still  hoping,  fearing  ^is  it  yet  too  late?' 
Dwelt  with  them,  till  in  time  their  abbess  died.. 
Then  she,  for  her  good  deeds  and  her  pure  life, 
And  for  the  power  of  ministration  m  her, 
And  likewise  for  the  high  rank  she  had  borne. 
Was  chosen  abbess,  tnere.  an  abbess   iived.  690 

For  three  brief  years,  and  there,  an  abbess,  past 
To  wnere  beyond  tnese  voices  there  is  peace 


THE   PASSING   OF   AKTHUR 

That  story  which  the  bold  °Sir  Bedivere, 
Pirst  made  and  latest  left  of  all  the  knights, 
Told,  when  the  man  was  no  more  than  a  voice 
In  the  white  winter  of  his  age,  to  those 
With  whom  he  dwelt,  new  faces,  other  minds. 

Por  on  their  march  to  °westward,  Bedivere, 
Who  slowly  paced  among  the  slumbering  host, 
Heard  in  his  tent  the  moanings  of  the  King: 

**^I  found  Him  in  the  shining  of  the  stars, 
I  markM  Him  in  the  flowering  of  His  fields, 
But  in  His  ways  with  men  I  find  Him  not. 
I  waged  His  wars,  and  now  I  pass  and  die. 
0  me !  for  why  is  all  around  us  here 
As  if  some  lesser  god  had  made  the  world, 
But  had  not  force  to  shape  it  as  he  would. 
Till  the  High  God  beliold  it  from  beyond. 
And  enter  it,  and  make  it  beautiful? 
Or  else  as  if  the  world  were  wholly  fair. 
But  that  these  eyes  of  men  are  dense  and  dim. 
And  liave  not  power  to  see  it  as  it  is : 
Perchajice,  because  we  see  not  to  the  close ;  — • 
Por  I,  being  simple,  thought  to  work  °His  will, 
And  have  but  stricken  with  the  sword  in  vainj 
And  all  whereon  1  lean'd  in  wife  and  friend 

238 


THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  239 

Is  traitor  to  my  peace,  and  all  my  realm 
Eeels  back  into  the  beast,  and  is  no  more. 
My  God,  thou  hast  forgotten  me  in  my  death: 
Xay  —  God  my  Christ  —  I  pass  but  shall  not  die.' 

Then,  ere  that  last  weird  battle  in  the  west. 
There  came  on  Arthur  sleeping,  Gawain  kill'd  30 

In  Lancelot's  war,  the  ghost  of  Gawain  blown 
Along  a  wandering  wind,  and  past  his  ear 
Went  shrilling:   ^Hollow,  hollow  all  delight! 
Hail,  King!  to-morrow  thou  shalt  pass  away. 
Farewell!  there  is  an  °is]e  of  rest  for  thee. 
And  I  am  blown  along  a  wandering  wind. 
And  hollow,  hollow,  hollow  all  delight! ' 
And  fainter  onward,  like  wild  birds  that  change 
Their  season  in  the  night  and  wail  their  way 
From  cloud  to  cloud,  down  the  long  wind  the  dream      40 
Shrill'd;  but  in  going  mingled  with  dim  cries 
Far  in  the  °moonlit  haze  among  the  hills, 
As  of  some  lonely  city  sacked  by  night, 
When  all  is  lost,  and  wife  and  child  with  wail 
Pass  to  new  lords;  and  Arthur  woke  and  call'd: 
*  Who  spake?     A  dream.     O  light  upon  the  wind, 
Thine,  Gawain,  was  the  voice  —  are  these  dim  cries 
Thine?  or  doth  all  that  haunts  the  waste  and  wild 
Mourn,  knowing  it  will  go  along  with  me? ' 

This  °heard  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere  and  spake:  51 

'  0  me,  my  King,  let  pass  whatever  will. 
Elves,  and  the  harmless  glamour  of  the  field; 
But  in  their  stead  thy  name  and  glory  cling 
To  all  high  places  like  a  golden  cloud 
For  ever:  but  as  yet  thou  shalt  not  pass, 
laght  was  Gawain  in  life,  and  light  in  death 
Is  Gawain,  for  the  ghost  is  as  the  man; 


240  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  care  not  thou  for  dreams  from  him,  but  rise  — 
I  liear  the  steps  of  ^lodred  in  the  west, 
And  with  him  many  of  thy  peopk;  and  knights  60 

Once  thine,  whom  thou  hast  loved,  but  grosser  grown 
Than  heathen,  °spitting  at  their  vows  and  thee. 
Eight  well  in  heart  they  know  thee  for  the  King. 
Arise,  go  forth  and  conquer  as  of  old.' 

Then  spake  King  Arthur  to  Sir  Bedivere : 
^Far  other  is  this  battle  in  the  west 
Whereto  we  move  than  when  we  strove  in  youth, 
And  brake  the  °petty  kings,  and  fought  with  Rome, 
Or  thrust  the  °heathen  from  the  Koman  wall, 
And  shook  him  thro'  the  north.     Ill  doom  is  mine         70 
To  war  against  my  people  and  my  knights. 
The  king  who  fights  his  people  fights  himself. 
And  they  my  knights,  who  loved  me  once,  the  stroke 
That  strikes  them  dead  is  as  my  death  to  me. 
Yet  let  us  hence,  and  find  or  feel  a  way 
Thro'  this  °blind  haze  which,  ever  since  I  saw 
One  lying  in  the  dust  at  °Almesbury, 
Hath  folded  in  the  passes  of  the  world. ' 

Then  rose  the  King  and  moved  his  host  by  night, 
And  ever  push'd  Sir  Modred,  league  by  league,  ^0 

Back  to  the  sunset  bound  of  Lyonnesse  — 
A  land  of  old  upheaveu  from  the  abyss 
By  fire,  to  sink  into  the  ab3'ss  again; 
Where  fragments  of  forgotten  peoples  dwelt, 
And  the  long  mountains  ended  in  a  coast 
Of  ever-shifting  sand,  and  far  away 
The  phantom  circle  of  a  moaning  sea. 
There  the  pursuer  could  pursue  no  more. 
And  he  that  fled  no  further  fl}^  tlie  King; 
And  there,  that  day  when  the  great  light  of  heaven       90 


THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  24i 

Burn'd  at  his  lowest  in  the  rolling  year, 

On  the  waste  sand  by  the  waste  sea  they  closed. 

Xor  ever  yet  had  Arthur  fought  a  fight 

Like  this  last,  dim,  weird  battle  of  the  west. 

A  death-white  mist  slept  over  sand  and  sea, 

Whereof  the  chill,  to  him  who  breathed  it,  drew 

Down  with  his  blood,  till  all  his  heart  was  cold 

With  formless  fear;  and  even  on  Arthur  fell 

Confusion,  since  he  saw  not  whom  he  fought. 

For  friend  and  foe  were  shadows  in  the  mist,  loo 

And  friend  slew  friend  not  knowing  whom  he  slew; 

And  some  had  visions  out  of  golden  youth, 

And  some  beheld  the  faces  of  old  ghosts 

Look  in  upon  the  battle;  and  in  the  mist 

Was  many  a  noble  deed,  many  a  base. 

And  chance  and  craft  and  strength  in  single  fights, 

And  ever  and  anon  with  host  to  host 

Shocks,  and  the  splintering  spear,  the  hard  mail  hewn, 

Shield-breakings,  and  the  °clash  of  brands,  the  crash 

Of  battle-axes  on  shatter'd  helms,  and  shrieks  no 

After  the  Christ,  of  those  who  falling  down 

Look'd  up  for  heaven,  and  only  saw  the  mist; 

And  shouts  of  heathen  and  the  traitor  knights, 

Oaths,  insult,  filth,  and  monstrous  blasphemies, 

Sweat,  writhings,  anguish,  laboring  of  the  lungs 

In  that  close  mist,  and  cryings  for  the  light, 

Moans  of  the  dying,  and  °voices  of  the  dead. 

Last,  as  by  some  one  deathbed  after  wail 
Of  suffering,  silence  follows,  or  thro'  death 
Or  death-like  swoon,  thus  over  all  that  shore,  no 

Save  for  some  whisper  of  the  seething  seas, 
A  dead  hush  fell ;  but  when  the  dolorous  day 
Grew  drearier  toward  twilight  falling,  came 
A  bitter  wind,  clear  from  the  north,  and  blew 


242  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

The  mist  aside,  and  with  that  wind  the  tide 

Rose,  and  the  pale  King  glanced  across  the  field 

Of  battle:   but  no  man  was  moving  there; 

Nor  any  cry  of  Christian  heard  thereon, 

Nor  yet  of  heatlien;  only  the  wan  wave 

Brake  in  among  dead  faces,  to  and  fro  13a 

Swaying  the  helpless  hands,  and  up  and  down 

Tumbling  the  hollow  helmets  of  the  fallen, 

And  shiver'd  brands  that  once  had  fought  with  Rome, 

And  rolling  far  along  the  gloomy  shores 

The  voice  of  days  of  old  and  days  to  be. 

Then  spake  King  Arthur  to  Sir  Bedivere, 
And  whiter  than  the  mist  that  all  day  long 
Had  held  the  held  of  battle  was  the  King: 

^Hearest  thou  this  great  voice  that  shakes  the  world. 
And  wastes  the  narrow  realm  whereon  we  move,  140 

And  beats  upon  the  faces  of  the  dead. 
My  dead,  as  tho'  they  had  not  died  for  me?  — 
0  Bedivere,  for  on  my  heart  hath  fallen 
Confusion,  till  I  know  not  what  I  am, 
Nor  whence  I  am,  nor  whether  I  be  king; 
Behold,  I  seem  but  king  among  the  dead.' 

Then  spake  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere:   ^  My  King; 
King  everywhere!  and  so  the  dead  have  kings. 
There  also  will  I  worship  thee  as  king. 
Yet  still  thy  life  is  whole,  and  still  I  live  150 

Who  love  thee;  but  who  hates  thee,  he  that  brought 
The  heathen  back  among  us,  yonder  stands, 
Modred,  unharm'd,  the  traitor  of  thine  house.' 

Then  spake  the  King:  ^My  house  hath  been  my  doom. 
But  call  not  thou  this  traitor  of  my  °house 


THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  243 

Who  hath  but  dwelt  beneath  one  roof  with  me. 

My  house  are  rather  they  who  sware  my  vows, 

Yea,  even  while  they  brake  them,  own'd  me  king. 

And  well  for  thee,  saying  in  my  dark  hour, 

When  all  the  °purport  of  my  throne  hath  fail'd,  i6o 

That  quick  or  dead  thou  boldest  me  for  king. 

King  am  I,  whatsoever  be  their  cry; 

And  one  last  act  of  kinghood  shalt  thou  see 

Yet,  ere  I  pass.'     And  uttering  this  tlie  King 

Made  at  the  maii :  then  Modred  smote  his  °liege 

Hard  on  that  lielm  which  many  a  heathen  sword 

Had  beaten  thin;  while  Arthur  at  one  blow, 

Striking  the  last  stroke  with  Excalibur, 

Slew  him,  and,  all  but  slain  himself,  he  fell. 


So  all  day  long  the  noise  of  battle  roll'd  170 

Among  the  mountains  by  the  winter  sea; 
Until  King  Arthur's  Table,  man  by  man, 
Had  fallen  in  Lyonnesse  about  their  lord, 
King  Arthur.     Then,  because  his  wound  was  deep, 
The  bold  Sir  Bedivere  uplifted  him, 
And  bore  him  to  a  chapel  nigh  the  held, 
A  broken  chancel  with  a  broken  cross, 
That  stood  on  a  dark  strait  of  barren  land; 
On  one  side  Lay  the  Ocean,  and  on  one 
Lay  a  great  water,  and  the  moon  was  full.  180 

Then  spake  King  Arthur  to  Sir  Bedivere: 
*  The  sequel  of  to-day  "unsolders  all 
The  goodliest  fellowship  of  famous  knights 
Whereof  this  world  holds  record.     Such  a  sleep 
They  sleep  —  the  men  I  loved.     I  think  that  we 
Shall  never  more,  at  any  future  time, 
Delight  our  souls  with  talk  of  knightly  deeds, 


244  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

Walking  about  the  trarJeus  and  the  halls 

Of  Cauielot,  as  in  the  days  that  were. 

I  perish  by  this  people  which  I  made,  —  190 

Tho'  Merlin  sware  that  I  should  come  again 

To  rule  once  more ;  but,  let  what  will  be  be, 

I  am  so  deeply  smitten  thro'  the  helm 

That  without  help  I  cannot  last  till  morn. 

Thou  therefore  take  my  brand  Excalibur, 

WJiicli  was  my  pride :  for  thou  rememberest  how 

In  those  old  days,  one  summer  noon,  an  arm 

Rose  up  from  out  the  bosom  of  the  lake. 

Clothed  in  white  samite,  mystic,  wonderful, 

Holding  the  sword  —  and  how  I  row'd  across  200 

And  took  it,  and  have  worn  it,  like  a  king; 

And,  wheresoever  I  am  sung  or  told 

In  aftertime,  this  also  shall  be  known. 

But  now  delay  not:  take  Excalibur, 

And  fling  him  far  into  the  middle  mere; 

Watch  what  thou  seest,  and  lis^htlv  bring  me  word.' 


To  him  replied  tlie  bold  Sir  Bedivere; 
*It  is  not  meet,  Sir  King,  to  leave  thee  thus,' 
Aidless,  alone,  and  smitten  thro'  the  helm  — 
A  little  thing  may  harm  a  wounded  man;  5 

Yet  I  thy  best  will  all  perform  at  full, 
Watch  what  I  see,  and  lightly  bring  thee  word.' 

So  saying,  from  the  ruin'd  shrine  he  stept, 
And  in  the  moon  athwart  the  °place  of  tombs, 
Where  lay  the  mighty  bones  of  ancient  men, 
Old  knights,  and  over  them  the  sea-wind  sang 
Shrill,  chill,  with  flakes  of  foam.     He,  stepping  down 
By  zigzag  paths  and  juts  of  pointed  rock, 
Came  on  the  shining  levels  of  the  lake. 


^30 


THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  245 

There  drew  he  forth  tlie  brand  Excalibur,  22a 

And  o'er  him,  drawing  it,  the  winter  moon, 
Brightening  the  skirts  of  a  long  cloud,  ran  forth 
And  sparkled  keen  with  frost  against  the  hilt. 
For  afl  tiie  haft  twinkled  with  diamond  sparks, 
Myriads  of  topaz-lights,  and  jacinth-work 
Of  subtlest  jewellery.      He  gazed  so  long 
That  both  his  eyes  were  dazzled  as  he  stood, 
This  way  and  that  dividing  the  swift  mind, 
In  act  to  throw:  but  at  last  it  seem'd 
Better  to  leave  Excalibur  conceal'd 
There  in  the  many-knotted  °water-flags. 
That  whistled  stiff  and  dry  about  the  marge. 
So  strode  he  back  slow  to  the  wounded  King. 


Then  spake  King  Arthur  to  Sir  Bedivere: 
'Hast  thou  perform'd  my  mission  which  I  gave? 
\Yhat  is  it  thou  hast  seen?  or  what  hast  heard?' 


And  answer  made  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere: 
'  I  heard  the  ripple  washing  in  the  reeds. 
And  the  wild  water  lapping  on  the  crag.' 

To  whom  replied  King  Arthur,  faint  and  pale:  240 

'Thou  hast  betray'd  thy  nature  and  thy  name. 
Not  rendering  true  answer,  as  beseem'd 
Thy  fealty,  nor  like  a  noble  knight; 
For  surer  sign  had  follow'd,  either  hand, 
Or  voice,  or  else  a  motion  of  the  mere. 
This  is  a  shameful  tiling  for  men  to  lie. 
Yet  now,  I  charge  thee,  quickly  go  again. 
As  thou  art  °lief  and  dear,  and  do  the  thing 
1  bade  thee,  watch,  and  lightly  bring  me  word.* 


^9' 


246    -K  7        IDYLLS  OF  rim  king 

Then  went  Sir  Bedivere  the  second  time  250 

Across  the  ridge,  and  paced  beside  the  mere, 
Counting  the  dewy  pebbles,  fixt  m  thought; 
But  when  he  saw  the  wonder  of  the  liiit, 
How  curiously  and  strangely  chased,  he  smote 
His  palms  together,  and  he  cried  aloud 


^  And  if  indeed  I  cast  the  brand  away, 
Surely  a  precious  thing,  one  worthy  note, 
Should  thus  be  lost  for  ever  from  the  earth. 
Which  might  have  pleased  the  eyes  of  many  men» 
What  good  should  follow  this,  if  this  were  done?  260 

What  hai';ii,  undone?     Deep  harm  to  disobey, 
Seeing  oDedience  is  the  bond  of  rule. 
Were  it  well  to  obey  then,  if  a  king  demand 
An  act  unprofitable,  against  himself? 
The  King  is  sick,  and  knows  not  what  he  does. 
What  record  or  what  relic  of  my  lord 
Should  be  to  aftertime,  but  empty  breath 
And  rumors  of  a  doubt?     But  were  this  kept, 
Stored  in  some  treasure-house  of  mighty  kings, 
Some  one  might  show  it  at  a  joust  of  arms,  270 

Saying?  "King  Arthur's  sword,  Excalibur, 
Wrought  by  the  lonely  Maiden  of  the  Lake, 
Nine  years  she  wrought  it,  sitting  in  the  deeps 
Upon  the  hidden  bases  of  the  hills/' 
So  might  some  old  man  speak  in  the  aftertime 
To  all  the  people,  winning  reverence. 
But  now  much  honor  and  much  fame  were  losto' 


So  spake  he,  °clouded  with  his  own  conceit, 
And  hid  Excalibur  the  second  time 
And  so  strode  back  slow  to  the  wounded  King.  280 


THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  247 

Then  spoke  King  Arthur,  breathing  heavily : 
^What  is  it  thou  hast  seen?  or  what  hast  heard?  * 

And  answer  made  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere: 
'  I  heard  the  water  lapping  on  the  crag, 
And  the  long  ripple  washing  in  the  reeds.' 

To  whom  replied  King  Arthur,  much  in  wrath 
•Ah  miserable,  and  unkind,  untrue, 
Unknightly,  traitor-hearted!     Woe  is  me\ 
Authority  forgets  a  dying  king, 

Laid  widowed  of  the  power  in  his  eye  290 

That  bow'd  the  will.     I  see  thee  what  thou  art, 
For  thou,  the  latest-left  of  all  my  knights, 
In  whom  should  meet  the  "offices  of  all, 
Thou  wouldst  betray  me  for  the  precious  hilt; 
Either  from  lust  of  gold,  or  like  a  girl 
Valuing  the  giddy  pleasure  of  the  eyes= 
Yet,  for  a  man  may  fail  in  duty  twice, 
And  the  third  time  may  prosper,  get  thee  hence 
But,  if  thou  spare  to  fling  Excalibur, 
I  will  arise  and  slay  thee  with  my  hands.'  300 

Then  quickly  rose  Sir  Bedivere,  and  ran, 
And,  leaping  down  the  ridges  lightly,  plunged 
Among  the  bulrush  beds,  and  clutched  the  sword, 
And  strongly  wheePd  and  threw  it.     The  great  brand 
Made  "lightnings  in  the  splendor  of  the  moon, 
And  flashing  round  and  round,  and  whirl'd  in  an  arch, 
Shot  like  a  streamer  of  the  "northern  morn, 
Seen  where  the  moving  isles  of  winter  shock 
By  niglit,  with  noises  of  the  Nortliern  Sea. 
So  flash'd  and  fell  the  brand  Excalibur ^  310 

But  ere  he  dipt  the  surface,  rose  an  arm 
Clothed  in  white  samite,  mystic,  wonderful, 


248  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  caught  him  by  the  hilt,  and  brandished  him 
Three  times,  and  drew  him  under  in  the  mere. 
And  lightly  went  the  °other  to  the  King. 

Then  spoke  King  Arthur,  drawing  thicker  breath  ; 
*Now  see  I  by  thine  eyes  that  this  is  done. 
Speak  out;  what  is  it  thou  hast  heard,  or  seen?' 

And  answer  made  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere : 
Sir  King,  I  closed  mine  eyelids,  lest  the  gems  320 

Should  blind  my  purpose,  for  I  never  saw, 
Nor  shall  see,  here  or  elsewhere,  till  I  die, 
Nor  tho'  I  live  three  lives  of  mortal  men, 
So  great  a  miracle  as  yonder  hilt. 
Then  with  both  hands  I  flung  him,  °wheeling  him; 
But  when  I  look'd  again,  behold  an  arm. 
Clothed  in  white  samite,  mystic,  wonderful, 
That  caught  him  by  the  hilt,  and  brandish VI  him 
Three  times^  and  drew  him  under  in  the  mere,^ 

And  answer  made  King  Arthur,  breathing  hard:       330 
'  My  end  draws  nigh ;   ^tis  time  that  I  were  gone. 
Make  broad  thy  shoulders  to  receive  my  weight, 
And  bear  me  to  the  margin;  yet  I  fear 
My  wound  hath  taken  cold,  and  I  shall  die.^ 

So  saying,  from  the  pavement  he  half  rose, 
Slowly,  with  pain,  reclining  on  his  arm. 
And  looking  wistfully  with  wide  °blue  eyes 
As  in  a  picture.     Him  Sir  Bedivere 
Remorsefully  regarded  thro'  his  tears, 
And  would  have  spoken,  but  he  found  not  words;         340 
Then  took  with  care,  and  kneeling  on  one  knee. 
O'er  both  his  shoulders  drew  the  languid  hands, 
And  rising  bore  him  thro'  the  place  of  tombs. 


THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  249 

But,  as  he  walk'd,  King  Arthur  panted  hard, 
Like  one  that  feels  a  "nightmare  on  his  bed 
When  all  the  house  is  mute.     So  sigh'd  the  King, 
Muttering  and  murmuring  at  his  ear,  'Quick,  quick! 
I  fear  it  is  too  late,  and  I  shall  die.' 
But  the  other  swiftly  strode  from  ridge  to  ridge, 
°Clothed  with  his  breath,  and  looking,  as  he  walk'd,    350 
Larger  tlian  human  on  the  frozen  hills. 
He  heard  the  deep  behind  him,  and  a  cry 
Before.     His  own  thought  drove  him  like  a  goad. 
Dry  clash' d  his  harness  in  the  icy  caves 
And  barren  chasms,  and  all  to  left  and  right 
The  bare  black  cliff  clang'd  round  him,  as  he  based 
His  feet  on  juts  of  slippery  crag  that  rang 
Sharp-smitten  with  the  dint  of  armed  heels  — 
And  on  a  sudden,  lo,  the  level  lake. 
And  the  long  glories  of  the  winter  moon!  360 

Then  saw  the}^  how  there  hove  a  dusky  barge, 
Dark  as  a  funeral  scarf  from  stem  to  stern. 
Beneath  them;  and  descending  they  were  ware 
That  all  the  decks  were  dense  with  stately  forms. 
Black-stoled,  black-hooded,  like  a  dream  —  by  these 
Three  queens  with  crowns  of  gold:  and  from  them  rose 
A  cry  that  shiver'd  to  the  tingling  stars, 
And,  as  it  were  one  voice,  an  agou}^ 
Of  lamentation,  like  a  wind  that  shrills 
All  night  in  a  w^aste  land,  where  no  one  comes,  370 

Or  hath  come,  since  the  making  of  the  world. 

Then  murmur'd  Arthur,  'Place  me  in  the  barge.' 
So  to  the  barge  they  came.     There  those  three  queens 
Put  forth  their  hands,  and  took  the  King,  and  wept. 
But  she  that  rose  the  tallest  of  them  all 
And  fairest  laid  his  head  upon  her  lap. 


250  IDYLLS    OF    THE    KING 

And  loosed  the  shatter'd  casque,  and'chafed  his  hands, 

And  call'd  him  by  his  name,  comphiining  loud. 

And  dropping  bitter  tears  against  a  brow 

Striped  with  dark  blood :  for  all  liis  face  was  white      380 

And  colorless,  and  like  the  wither'd  moon 

Smote  by  the  fresh  beam  of  the  springing  east; 

And  all  his  °greaves  and  cuisses  dash'd  with  drops 

Of  onset;  and  the  light  and  °lustrous  curls  — 

That  made  his  forehead  like  a  rising  sun 

High  from  the  dais-throne  —  were  parch'd  with  dust, 

Or,  clotted  into  points  and  hanging  loose, 

Mixt  with  the  knightly  growth  that  fringed  his  lips. 

So  like  a  shatter'd  column  lay  the  King; 

Not  like  that  Arthur  who,  with  lance  in  rest,  390 

From  spur  to  plume  a  star  of  tournament, 

Shot  thro'  the  lists  at  Camelot,  and  charged 

Before  the  eyes  of  ladies  and  of  kings. 

Then  loudly  cried  the  bold  Sir  Bedivere: 
*Ah!  my  Lord  Arthur,  whither  shall  I  go? 
Where  shall  I  hide  my  forehead  and  my  eyes? 
For  now  I  see  the  true  old  times  are  dead. 
When  every  morning  brought  a  °noble  chance. 
And  every  chance  brought  out  a  noble  knight. 
Such  times  have  been  not  since  the  light  that  led         400 
The  °holy  Elders  with  the  gift  of  myrrh. 
But  now  the  whole  Bound  Table  is  dissolved 
Which  was  an  °image  of  the  mighty  world, 
And  I,  the  last,  go  forth  companionless. 
And  the  days  darken  round  me,  and  the  years. 
Among  new  men,  strange  faces,  other  minds.' 

And  slowly  answer'd  Arthur  from  the  barge: 
'Tlie  old  order  changeth,  yielding  place  to  new, 
And  God  fulfils  himself  in  many  ways, 


THE    PASSING    OF   ARTHUR  251 

Lest  one  good  custom  sliould  corrupt  the  world.  410 

Comfort  thyself:  what  comfort  is  in  me? 

I  have  lived  my  life,  and  that  which  I  have  done 

May  He  within  himself  make  pure!  but  thou, 

If  thou  shouldst  never  see  my  face  again, 

Pray  for  my  soul.     More  things  are  wrought  by  prayer 

Than  this  world  dreams  of.     Wherefore,  let  thy  voice 

Rise  like  a  fountain  for  me  night  and  day. 

For  w4iat  are  men  better  than  sheep  or  goats 

That  nourish  a  blind  life  within  the  brain, 

If,  knowing  God,  they  lift  not  hands  of  prayer  420 

Both  for  themselves  and  those  who  call  them  friend? 

For  so  the  whole  round  earth  is  every  way 

Bound  by  gold  chains  about  the  feet  of  God. 

But  now  farewell.     I  am  going  a  long  way 

With  °these  thou  seest  —  if  indeed  I  go  — 

For  all  my  mind  is  clouded  with  a  doubt  — 

To  the  island-valley  of  °Avilion; 

Where  falls  not  hail,  or  rain,  or  an}^  snow. 

Nor  ever  wind  blows  loudly;  but  it  lies 

Deep-meadow'd,  happy,  fair  with  °orchard  lawns  430 

And  bowery  hollows  crown'd  with  summer  sea. 

Where  I  will  heal  me  of  ni}'  grievous  wound.' 

So  said  he,  and  the  barge  with  oar  and  sail 
Moved  from  the  brink,  like  some  full-breasted  swan 
That,  °fluting  a  wild  carol  ere  her  death. 
Ruffles  her  pure  cold  plume,  and  takes  the  flood 
With  swarthy  webs.     Long  stood  Sir  Bedivere 
Revolving  many  memories,  till  the  hull 
Look'd  one  black  dot  against  the  verge  of  dawn, 
And  on  the  mere  the  wailing  died  awa}'.  440 

But  when  that  moan  had  past  for  evermore, 
The  stillness  of  the  dead  world's  winter  dawn 


252  IDYLLS    OF    TllK    KING 

Amazed  him,  and  lie  groan'd.  '  The  King  is  gone.V 
And  therewitlial  came  on  him  the  weird  rhyme, 
'From  the  great  deep  to  the  great  deep  he  goes.' 

Whereat  he  slowly  turn'd  and  slowlj^  clomb 
The  last  hard  footstep  of  that  iron  crag, 
Thence  mark'd  the  black  hull  moving  yet,  and  cried: 
'  He  passes  to  be  king  among  the  dead, 
And  after  healing  of  his  grievous  wound  45a 

He  comes  again;  but  — ^if  he  come  no  more  — 
0  me,  be  yon  dark  queens  in  yon  black  boat, 
Who  shriek' d  and  wail'd,  the  three  whereat  we  gazed 
On  that  high  day,  when,  clothed  with  living  light. 
They  stood  before  his  throne  in  silence,  friends 
Of  Arthur,  who  should  help  nim  at  nis  need? 

Then  from  the  dawn  it  seemM  there  came,  but  faint 
As  from  beyond  the  limit  of  the  world. 
Like  the  last  echo  born  of  a  great  cry, 
Sounds,  as  if  some  fair  city  were  one  voice  460 

Around  a  king  returning  from  his  wars. 

Thereat  once  more  he  moved  about,  and  clomb 
Even  to  the  highest  he  could  climb,  and  saw, 
Straining  his  eyes  beneath  an  arch  of  hand. 
Or  thought  he  saw,  the  speck  that  bare  the  King, 
Down  that  long  water  opening  on  the  deep 
Somewhere  far  off,  pass  on  and  on,  and  go 
From  less  to  less  and  vanish  into  light. 
And  the  new  sun  rose  bringing  the  new  year. 


NOTES 


THE   C0MI:N^G   of    ARTHUR 

Line  1.  Leodogran,  the  king  of  Cameliard.  King  Arthur 
King  Ban,  and  King  Bors  defeated  King  Ryence  of  North  Wales, 
"who  made  strong  war  upon  Leodegraunce."  Leodegrance  and 
these  three  kings  returned  to  Cameliard,  where  Arthur  saw  Guin- 
evere for  the  first  time  and  "  ever  after  he  loved  her." — Malory's 
Morte  cV Arthur,  Chaptere  XV.  and  XVI.  Cameliard.  "  Appar- 
ently the  district,  called  CarmeFide  in  the  English  metrical  romance 
of  Merlin,  on  the  border  of  which  was  a  town  called  Breckenho." 
—  Wright. 

5.  For  many  a  petty  king.  Locrine  (mentioned  by  Milton  in 
Comas),  Leir  (the  Lear  of  Shakspere),  and  Cassibelaunus  (the 
Cassibelan  of  Cymbeline)  are  the  names  of  three  of  the  ninety 
kings  who  ruled  in  Britain  before  Arthtir.  See  Geoffrey  of  Mon- 
mouth's British  History  (Histoi'ia  Begum  Britannia;). 

8.  heathen  host.  Saxons  and  Norsemen.  Note  the  alliter- 
ation, numerous  instances  of  whicn  are  found  throughout  the 
poem. 

9.  harried.     Plundered,  ravaged. 

13.  Aurelius.  Aurelius  Ambrosius  was  the  son  of  Constan- 
tine,  prince  of  Armorica  or  Lesser  Britain,  who  was  promoted  to 
the  throne  of  Britain.  During  the  reign  of  Aurelius,  with  Merlin's 
help,  the  great  stones  called  the  "  Giant's  Dance  "  were  brought 
over  from  Ireland,  and  set  up  as  a  monument  to  the  British  chiefs 
slain  by  Hengist  the  Saxon.     This  moiutment  is  now  called  Stone- 

253 


254  NOTES  [Page  1 

henge,  and  it  was  certainly  erected  in  the  Prehistoric  Age  of 
Britain.  Aurelius  was  poisoned  by  a  Saxon.  At  his  death,  a 
comet  in  the  form  of  a  dragon  appeared.  Merlin  said  that  the 
appearance  of  this  "globe  of  fire  "  signified  that  Uther,  the  brother 
of  Aurelius,  would  be  "king  of  all  Britain."  Uther  when  he  was 
crowned  had  two  golden  dragons  made,  one  of  which  he  presented 
to  the  church  at  Winchester  and  the  other  he  carried  with  him  to 
the  wars.  From  this  time  he  was  called  Uther  Pendragon.  Geof- 
frey's British  History,  Book  VIII.,  Chapters  XV.  and  XVI.  See 
Lancelot  and  Elaine,  431-4-40,  and  Guinevere,  395. 

17.  Table  Round.  This  table,  around  which  one  hundred  and 
fifty  knights  could  be  seated,  was  given  to  Arthur  by  Leodogran, 
who  had  received  it  from  Uther.  —  Morte  cV Arthur,  Chapter  XLV. 

20.  the  wolf  would  steal,  etc.  There  are  authentic  records  of 
children  suckled  by  wolves,  and  in  India  at  the  present  time  chil- 
dren are  sometimes  so  treated.  Cf.  the  mythical  story  of  Romulus 
and  Remus,  and  the  story  of  Mowgli,  the  wolf-child,  in  Kipling's 
First  Jumjle  Book. 

32.    wolf-like  men.      Cf.  Geraint  and  Enid,  94. 

34.  Groaned  .  .  .  again.  The  Britons,  being  besieged  by  thePicts 
and  Scots,  wrote  the  following  letter  to  the  Roman  consul :  "  To 
^tius  thrice  consul  :  the  groans  of  the  Britons  :  —  The  sea  drives 
us  to  the  barbarians,  and  the  barbarians  drive  us  back  to  the  sea ; 
thus,  we  are  tossed  to  and  fro  between  two  kinds  of  death,  being 
either  drowned  or  put  to  the  sword." —  Geoffrey's  British  History, 
Book  VI.,  Chapter  III. 

30.  Urien.  Ryence  of  North  Wales,  the  husband  of  IMorgan 
le  Fay,  Arthur's  sister.  —  Malory's  Morte  d' Arthur,  heathen 
horde.  The  Scots  and  Picts  are  probably  here  meant.  "They 
defeated  the  Britons  in  battle  and  then  pursued  those  who  took 
refuge  in  flight  to  their  homes,  where  they  butchered  them  like 
sheep."     GiLDAs  :  History  of  Britain,  Cha,])ter  II. 

49.  neither  wore  on  helm  or  shield.  Note  the  unusual  position 
of  neithe-'" 


Page  2]  THE  COMING   OF  ARTHUR  255 

50.  golden  symbol.  Probably  the  golden  dragon.  See  note  to 
line  13. 

58.  drave.     Old  preterit  of  '  to  drive.' 

59.  after.  Afterward,  beast.  The  different  kinds  of  animals 
mentioned  in  line  23. 

72.  Gorlois.  Duke  of  Tintagill  in  Cornwall.  —  Malory's  il/brfe 
a:  Arthur. 

To.  Anton.  Sir  Ector,  one  of  Uther's  knights,  to  whose  care 
Arthur  was  intrusted  at  his  birth.  Gorlois  and  Anton  are  men- 
tioned as  possibilities ;  the  lords  preferred  to  believe  Arthur  the 
son  of  any  one  rather  than  of  Uther. 

75.  Travail.  A  new  birth,  the  beginning  of  a  new  life,  caused 
by  his  love  for  Guinevere. 

82.  Vext.  Troubled.  Tennyson  preferred  this  manner  of 
spelling,  shudder.  To  tremble,  to  shake.  The  stars  were  in 
confused  motion  and  the  solid  earth  hollow,  if  he  were  without 
Guinevere. 

84.    saving.      Unless. 

87-89.  And  cannot  .  .  .  Victor  and  lord.  Unless  Arthur  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  Guinevere  for  his  wife,  the  great  love  which  he 
had  for  her  would  interfere  with  the  accomplishment  of  his  work, 
and  therefore  he  could  not  be  victorious  or  become  lord  of  his 
own  realm. 

92.    dark  land.      Dark  with  ignorance  and  crime. 

9.3.   dead  world.      Dead  to  virtue. 

94.  as  he  speaks.  Meaning  the  ancient  bard  supposed  to  be 
telling  the  story. 

96.  the  world  Was  all  so  clear  about  him.  Contrast  with  lines 
98-100  in  The  Passing  of  Arthur.  This  clear-sightedness  of 
Arthur  indicates  his  resolution  to  wed  Guinevere.  Henceforth 
doubts  no  longer  confuse  him  ;  his  mind  is  made  up. 

99.  And  even  in  high  day  the  morning  star.  Probably  the 
planet  Venus,  which  sometimes,  when  bright,  is  visible  in  daylight. 

102.    clarions.    Clear-sounding  horns,  making  a  piercing  sound 


256  NOTES  [Page  . 

103.  long-lanced  battle.  "Then  either  battaile  let  their  horses 
runne  as  fast  as  they  might,  and  all  these  fortie  knights  rode 
on  afore,  with  great  speres  on  their  thyghes,  and  spurred  theyr 
horses  myglitely  as  fast  as  theyr  horses  might  runne."  —  Malory's 
3Iorte  cV  Arthur.     Battle.     Battalion. 

106.  Powers  who  walk.  The  gods  who  control  the  world. 
Compare  the  divinities  who  assist  the  Greeks  and  the  Trojans  in 
Homer's  Iliad. 

110.  kings.  Eleven  kings,  some  of  whom  are  mentioned  in  lines 
111-115,  formed  an  alliance  and  made  war  upon  King  Arthur. 

—  Malory's  Morte  cV Arthur,  Book  I.,  Chapters  X.-XV. 

115.  voice.  Although  Arthur  slew  a  great  many  of  his  ene- 
mies, yet  the  eleven  kings  were  always  able  to  rally  their  forces. 
At  last  when  they  were  driven  back  over  a  small  river.  Merlin  said 
to  Arthur,  "  Ho,  for  God  is  wrote  wyth  you  that  you  wyll  never 
have  done,  for  yonder  eleven  kings  at  this  tyme  will  not  be  over- 
throwen  ;  therefore  withdrawe  you  to  your  lodging."  —  Malory's 
Morte  cV Arthur. 

120.  Ho.  Formal  exc  amation  used  by  king  or  umpire  of  a  tour- 
nament to  command  combatants  to  cease. 

121.  like  a  painted  battle.  Like  a  painted  picture  of  a  battle. 
Cf.  Coleridge's  Ancient  Mariner-,  "a  painted  ship  upon  a  painted 
ocean." 

124.   warrior  whom  he  loved  and  honored  most.    Lancelot. 

127.  Liege.  "A  'liege  lord'  seems  to  have  been  a  lord  of  a 
free  band,  and  his  lieges,  though  serving  under  him,  were  privileged 
men,  free  from  all  other  obligations  :  their  name  being  due  to  their 
freedom,  not  to  their  service.  We  now  say  a  liege  vassal,  one 
bound  to  his  lord  by  feudal  tenure.  This  sense  is  due  to  a  false 
etymology  which  connects  lie(/e  with  the  Latin  ligatiis,  bound." 

—  Ski:  AT. 

130.    warded.      Same  word  etymologically  as  guarded. 

132.  Man's  word  is  God  in  man.  The  godlikeness  in  man 
enables  him  to  keep  a  promise  sacred.  Cf.  Lancelot  and  Elaine, 
144,  145. 


Page  5]  THE  COMING   OF  ARTHUR  257 

134.  foughten  field.  "  This  glorious  and  well  foughten  field." 
—  Shakspeke's  Htiury  F.,  IV.  vi.  18. 

lo5.  Ulfius.  A  knight  who  sewed  Uther  and  afterward  became 
one  of  Arthur's  followers.  Brastias.  One  of  Arthur's  knights 
who  formerly  served  Gorlois.  Bedivere.  '-First  made  and  latest 
left  of  all  the  knights."—  The  Pa.^i>inr/  of  Arthur,  2  ;  The  Coming 
of  Arthur,  173-176. 

141.  holp.     Old  preterit  of  fo  ^eZp. 

142.  saving.     Except. 

144.  chamberlain.  An  overseer  of  the  chambers  ;  one  of  the 
high  officers  of  a  royal  court. 

150.  Merlin.  Merlin,  also  called  Ambrose,  had  been  the  court 
magician  from  the  time  of  Yortigern. 

152.  Bleys.  Bleise,  or  Blaise,  according  to  Merlin,  was  a  holy 
hermit  who  had  protected  the  mother  of  Merlin  from  a  fiend,  and 
had  undertaken  Merlin's  education.  It  is  pretended  that  Merlin 
afterward  employed  Bleys  as  his  historiographer. 

157.    annal-book.     A  chronological  history. 

160.  "0  friend  .  .  .  share  of  me."  If  Arthur  had  given  me  as 
little  help' as  you  have,  I  would  have  been  destroyed  by  '-beast 
and  man."     See  line  140  and  note  to  line  1. 

166.  cuckoo  chased.  Cuckoo's  eggs  are  often  found  in  the 
nests  of  smaller  birds.  The  young  cuckoos  often  try  to  oust  the 
offspring  of  the  rightful  owner,  and  for  this  reason  the  cuckoos 
are  chased.  —  Rowe. 

187.  winsome.  Pleasant,  lovely.  Middle  English,  icinsom, 
with  the  sense,  "propitious." — Skeat.  Ygerne.  or  Igrayne.  was 
the  wife  of  Gorlois,  the  Duke  of  Tintagill.  By  Merlin's  help,  Gor- 
lois was  slain  and  Uther  wedded  Ygerne.  Arthur  was  the  issue  of 
this  union.  — 3Iorte  (V Arthur,  Chapters  I.  and  II. 

189.  Bellicent,  called  Anna  by  Geoffrey,  and  Morgan  le  Fay  by 
Malory,  was  the  daughter  of  Ygerne  and  Gorlois,  and,  therefore, 
Arthur's  half-sister. 

207.   wrack.     Old  form  of  wreck,  meaning  ruin. 


258  NOTES  [Page  7 

208.    And  that  same  night.     See  Guinevere,  283-300. 

210-211.     all  before.     Note  these  uses  of  a//. 

212.    postern-gate.     A  small  back  gate  or  private  entrance. 

215.    the  lords  of  this,  i.e.  the  time  of  the  supposed  narrator. 

245.  as  he  could,  etc.  Leodogran  entertained  Bellicent  the  best 
he  could.  He  was  unable,  owing  to  the  ruin  wrought  by  his  ene- 
mies, to  provide  a  feast  such  as  he  would  have  liked  to  provide. 

247.  A  doubtful  throne,  etc.  This  is  one  of  the  many  lines 
found  in  Tennyson's  works  which  shows  his  happy,  forcible  style. 
—  VAN  Dyke. 

252.    Hath  body  enow.     Strength  enough. 

257.  dais.  The  raised  platform  on  which  a  throne  or  high  table 
stands.  Properly,  it  was  the  table  itself.  Latin,  disciis.  Later, 
it  was  used  of  the  canopy  over  the  seat  of  state,  or  even  of  the  seat 
itself.  Middle  English,  deis,  or  deijs.  "  Ne  who  sat  first  ne  last 
up-on  thedeys."  —  Chaucer's  Knightes  Tale,  1.342. 

259-265.  in  low  deep  tones  .  .  .  light.  These  lines  are  often 
quoted  as  the  finest  in  the  poem. 

261.  strait.  Strict,  narrow,  rigid.  Middle  English,  streit.  It 
comes  from  the  Old  Erench,  estreit. 

*'  The  reule  of  seint  Maure  or  of  saint  Beueit, 
By-cause  that  it  was  old  and  som-del  streit." 

—  Chaucer's  Prologue,  173,  174. 

vows.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  541-544,  and  Guinevere,  464-474. 

274.  vert.     Green,     azure.     Sky-blue. 

275.  three  fair  queens.  These  queens  represent  the  Christian 
virtues  of  Faith,  Hope  and  Chanty. — van  Dyke.  See  Gareth 
and  Lijnette,  224-226  ;  The  Passing  of  Arthur,  365-366,  373-380, 
452-456. 

279.    mage.     Wizard,  magician. 

282.    Lady  of  the  Lake.     The  symbol  of  Religion  or  the  Church. 
Described  in  Gareth  and  Lynette,  212-219. 
284.    samite.     A  rich  silk,  often  interwoven  with  gold  or  silver. 


Page  10]  THE   COMING   OF  ARTHUR  259 

288.  minster.  A  monastery,  probably  the  holy  dwelling-place 
of  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  mentioned  in  the  Jlorte  (VAnhur, 
Chapter  XXIIL 

290.  A  voice,  etc.  Cf.  Revelation  xiv.  2.  See  also  Lancelot 
and  Elaine,  1393-1400,  cf.  line  464. 

291.  calm  .  .  .  world.  Even  during  a  storm,  the  water,  a  few 
feet  below  the  surface,  is  at  rest. 

294.  Excalibur.  This  word  represents  the  weapon  used  by  the 
soul  in  its  wars  against  its  enemies.  —  vax  Dyke. 

298.  With  jewels.  See  Passing  of  Arthur,  224-226.  Urim. 
'•  Hebrew  word,  meaning  lights.  The  literal  sense  is  lights,  but  it 
may  be  used  in  the  singular  sense,  light.  The  Hebrew  root  is  ur, 
to  shine.'*  —  Skeat.  For  Urim  of  the  High  Priests,  see  Exodus 
xxviii.  1-5-30;  Leviticus  viii.  8;  and  Numbers  xxvii.  21. 

299.  the  blade  so  bright.  See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  65-67  ;  The 
Passing  of  Arthur,  304-315. 

301.    oldest  tongue.     Hebrew. 
307.    brand.     Sword. 

318.  them.     Leodogran  and  Bellicent. 

319.  Gawain.  Son  of  B-ellicent  and  Lot.  See  Gareth  and 
Lynette,  319,  407-408 ;  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  553-561,  611  ;  Holy 
Grail,  737-747  ;  Passing  of  Arthur,  30-33. 

322.  Modred.  Brother  to  Gawain  and  Gareth.  Gareth  and 
Lynette,  28-32,  409-410  ;  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  556  ;  Guinevere, 
62-63. 

324.  Struck  for  the  throne.  Guinevere,  9,  62,  151  ;  Passing 
of  Arthur,  80.  151,  164,  169. 

329.    king  is  fair.     Passing  of  Arthur,  337-384. 

346.  who,  they  say,  etc.  This  power,  obtained,  it  was  supposed, 
from  some  magic  herb,  or  article  of  dress  worn,  was  possessed  by 
all  magicians. 

"  Why,  did  you  think  you  had  Gyge's  ring, 
Or  the  herb  that  gives  invisibility?" 

—  Beaumoxt  and  Fletcher's  Maid  of  the  Inn. 


260  NOTES  [Page  12 

351.    greater.     Larger  and  older. 

362.  Shrunk,  etc.  It  was  believed  that  fairies  sometimes 
exchanged  their  offspring  for  human  children.  See  Oareth  and 
Lynette,  200. 

"  Oh  that  it  could  be  proved 
That  some  night-tripping  fairy  had  exchanged 
In  cradle  chithes  our  children  where  they  lay." 

—  Shakspere's  Henry  IV.,  I.  i.  86-88. 
368.    still.     IX'ad. 

370.    a  night  .  .  .  were  lost. 

"  And  I  have  seen 
The  ambitious  ocean  swell  and  rage  and  foam, 
To  be  exalted  with  the  threatening  clouds." 

—  Shakspere's  Julius  Csesar,  I.  iii.  6. 

379.  Till  last,  a  ninth  one.  Every  third  wave  is  larger  than  the 
two  preceding.  The  ninth  is  the  largest  of  all.  Fishermen  launch- 
ing their  boats  wait  for  the  ninth  wave. 

380.  full  of  voices.  Cf.  lines  290  and  464  ;  The  Passing  of  Ar- 
thur. 134-135. 

383.  Anakedbabe.  Gn i never e,  291.  rode.  i.e.  on  the  crest  of  a 
wave. 

391.  Free  sky.     Clear  of  clouds. 

392.  part  in  peace.     Depart  in  peace  from  this  life. 

393.  seer.     A  prophet ;  literally,  "  one  who  sees." 

401-410.  riddling  triplets.  Tennyson  infused  into  the  old 
.egends  of  the  Morte  d' Arthur  and  the  Mabinogion,  a  "spirit  of 
modern  thought." — Memoir  of  Tennyson.,  by  his  son,  Vol.  III., 
p.  147.     See  also  Gareth  and  Lynette,  252-253. 

405.    lea.     Meadow,  plain. 

410.  From  the  great  deep,  etc.     See  Guinevere.,  295-296. 

411.  So  Merlin  riddling,  etc.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  274-282. 
417.    wage-work.     Tennyson  uses  many  alliterative  compounds. 

Note  haze-hidden,  line  429. 

420.  Tho'  men  may  wound.  "Yet  somme  men  say  in  many 
partyes  of  England  that  King  Arthur  is  not  deed,  but  had  by  the 


Pagf  U]  the  coming    OF  ARTHIR  261 

wylle  of  our  Lord  Jesus  in  to  another  place  ;  and  men  say  that  he 
shal  come  again,  and  he  shall  wynne  the  holy  cross."  —  Malory, 
Book  XXL,  Chapter  VIL 

429.  phantom.     Seen  dimly  through  the  haze. 

430.  looming.     Appearing  faintly  at  a  distance. 

431.  the  hind,  etc.  The  peasant  was  killed  and  the  cattle  were 
driven  away  as  plunder. 

432.  rick.  A  long  covered  pile  of  hay  or  grain  in  the  field  or 
open  air. 

440.    with  a  wink.     In  a  short  space  of  time. 
447.    Sir  Lancelot.     See  lines  124-133  ;  (rarei/i  and  Zyne^ie,  1266- 
1270  ;  Lanrdot  and  Elaine,  554,  1081-1084.  1273. 

451.  Among  the  flowers,  in  May.  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  104  ; 
Guinevere,  378-385. 

452.  Dubric.  Archbishop  of  City  of  Legions  (  Caerleon-iipon-  Usk) 
and  primate  of  England.  He  was  eminent  for  his  piety  and  could 
cure  any  sick  person  by  his  prayers.    See  Marriage  of  Geraint,  838. 

454.    The  stateliest,  etc.    The  altar  of  Saint  Stephen's.  —  Wright. 
471.    and  make  the  world  other,  i.e.  other  and  better  than  it  is 
at  the  present  time. 

476.  Great  lords,  etc.  "  Right  so  came  in  the  court  twenty 
knights  and  were  aged  men,  and  they  came  from  the  Emperour  of 
Rome  and  asked  of  King  Arthur  truage  for  this  realme,  or  els  the 
emperour  would  destroy  him  and  his  land."  —  Morte  d'' Arthur, 
Chapter  XXL 

477.  In  scornful  stillness  gazing.  The  scorn  is  characteristic  of 
the  Romans,  --the  lords  of  the  wc^-ld,"  '■' dominos  rerum."' 

481-501.  Blow  trumpet  .  .  .  Let  the  King  reign.  •'  A  piece  of 
glorious  literature.  We  hear  in  the  carefully  varied  chorus,  in  the 
very  rattling  and  shattering  of  the  vowels  in  the  words,  the  beating 
of  axe  upon  helm,  and  shield  on  shield.  Rugged,  clanging,  clash- 
ing lines."  —  Stopford  Brookk. 

484.  Shall  Rome  or  Heathen  rule.  This  must  have  been  sug- 
gested by  the  presence  of  the  Roman  envoys.     The  feeling  against 


262  NOTES  [Page  10 

Roman  domination  must  have  been  intense  and  popular,  otherwise 
the  knights  would  not  have  in  song  practically  prejudged  the 
demands  of  the  Romans. 

499.  The  King  will  follow,  etc.  "Be  ye  followers  of  me  even 
as  I  also  am  of  Christ."     1  Corinthians  xi,  1. 

Note  in  this  song  the  nervous  strength  which  simple  words  give  in 
English  when  handled  by  a  master.  Nearly  all  the  words  are  of 
one  syllable.  Note,  too,  the  words,  such  as  clang,  clash,  whose 
sounds  imitate  the  meaning. 

504.  The  slowly-fading  mistress,  etc.  In  the  fifth  century  the 
power  of  Rome  began  to  decline.  She  was  compelled  to  withdraw 
her  troops  from  Britain  in  order  to  protect  Rome  from  the  Goths. 

505.  tribute.  Contribution  paid  to  secure  protection,  yore. 
In  old  times  long  ago. 

506-512.  Behold  .  .  .  pay.  The  kings  of  Britain  agreed  with 
Arthur  to  make  war  upon  Rome.  Arthur,  leaving  Modred  in 
charge  of  his  kingdom,  made  war  upon  the  Romans  and  after  a 
number  of  encounters  Lucius  Tiberius  was  killed  and  the  Britons 
were  victorious. — Geoffrey  of  Monmouth,  Book  IV,.  Chapter 
XV.;   Book  X.,  Chapters  I.-XIII. 

508.  The  old  order  changeth.  Revelation  xxi.  4,  5.  The  Fass- 
ing  of  Arthur,  408. 

511.  your  Roman  wall.  The  remains  of  walls  built  by  Romans 
in  Britain  may  still  be  seen. 

517.   twelve  great  battles.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  284-302. 


GAEETH  AND  LYKETTE 

1.  Lot.  King  of  Orkney.  ^e%  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  Wo,  \^^, 
244,  315,  316. 

2.  Gareth.  Malory  describes  Gareth  as  "large,  long,  and  broad 
In  the  shoulders  and  well  visaged,  and  the  fairest  and  largest  hand 
that  ever  man  saw."     He  also  states  that  Gareth  was  a  foot  and  a 


Page  18]  G  A  RE  Til  AND  LYXETTE  263 

half  higher  than  either  of  his  two  companions.  Gareth,  upon 
entering  Arthur's  court,  refused  to  tell  his  name,  and  Sir  Kay  be- 
stowed on  him  the  name  of  Beaumains,  meaning  fair  hands. 

3.  spate.  A  river  flood.  The  word  is  Celtic  in  origin.  Com- 
pare the  Irish  speid.  — Skeat. 

IL  not  knowest.  "  Knowest  not"  or  "dost  not  know." 
Ordinarily  "and"  would  be  used  to  connect  the  two  clauses, 
'•  that  know''''  and  '•'■have  strength  and  icit.''^  The  omission  of  the 
connective  often  occurs  with  more  than  two  clauses,  but  rarely 
with  two.     The  omission  adds  emphasis. 

14.  Coaxed  and  whistled  to.  This  metaphor  is  of  a  caged  bird. 
See  lines  20  and  21. 

18.   yield.     Reward.     Anglo-Saxon,  gieldan,  to  pay. 

"  God  Meld  you!  " — Hamlet,  IV.  v.  41. 

20.  discaged.     Uncaged. 

21.  Ever-highering.  Note  the  unusual  use  of  higher  as  a 
verb.  This  is  iu  imitation  of  the  similar  but  more  common  use  of 
'oicer. 

24.  working  out  his  wilL     See  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  87-89. 

25.  To  cleanse  the  world.     See  Geraint  ^and  Enid,  942  and  943. 
27.    proven.     Tried. 

37.    an.     If.     See  also  lines  40  and  50. 

46.  Book  of  Hours.  A  prayer-book  illuminated  in  colors,  and 
gilt,  with  initials,  lines,  and  pictures,  and  containing  the  prayers 
prescribed  for  the  seven  hours  during  which  the  Church  orders 
these  prayers  to  be  said. 

47.  haunting.  Frequenting.  .  The  word  comes  from  the  French 
hanter,  to  frequent,  to  resort  unto. 

51.  leash.  A  thong  by  which  a  hawk  or  hound  is  held.  The 
sense  of  "three"  arose  from  the  number  of  dogs  usually  leashed 
together,  hence  the  word  leash  is  used  for  three  or  more. — 
Skeat. 

56.    clomb.     Old  form  of  the  preterit  of  to  climb.     This  form 


264  NOTES  [Page  20 

was  in  common  use  in  the  Middle  English  period.  Chaucer  in  the 
Nonne  Preestes  Tale,  line  378,  used  clomben  : 

"  The  Sonne,  he  saj'ed,  is  clomben  up  in  hevene." 

Cf.  also  Coleridge  :  Ancient  Mariner,  line  209. 

6Q.  brand.  Sword.  Brand  is  derived  from  Anglo-Saxon  verb 
meaning  to  burn.     Sword  is  called  brand  from  its  flashing, 

68.    fowl.     Birds. 

76.  barons'  war.     See  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  100-122. 

84.  red  berries,  etc.  The  birds  are  allured  by  red  berries  just 
as  youths  are  attracted  by  the  jousts. 

85.  jousts.     Mock  fights  in  which  the  knights  tilted. 

87.  an  often  chance.    Note  the  adjectival  use  of  the  adverb. 

88.  tourney-falls.     Dismountings  caused  by  the  shock  of  arms. 
90.   burns.     Streams  ;  bourn  was  the  Middle  English  spelling  of 

the  word.  The  root  is  possibly  the  Anglo-Saxon  bijrnan,  to  burn. 
The  connection  is  seen  by  the  comparison  of  bubbling  water  of  a 
spring  to  boilhig  water.  —  Skeat. 

"  We  twa  ha'  paidlit  in  the  burn." 

—  Robert  Burns:  Auld  Lam/  Syne. 

93-94.  Some  .  .  .  prone  year.  A  bride  to  gladden  and 
strengthen  thy  life,  which  has  not  yet  reached  its  zenith,  and  who 
will  treat  with  tenderness  my  declining  age. 

100.  For.  A  favorite  mode  of  Tennyson's  for  beginning  a  story. 
See  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  358. 

104.  But  to  be  won.     Only  to  be  won. 

105.  good  lack.  Idiomatic  for  "goodness  is  lacking,"  it  has  the 
force  of  an  exclamation.     Cf.  Good  gracious  ! 

110.   That  evermore. 

"  And  Shame  his  ugly  face  did  h\(^e  from  living  eye." 

—  Spenser's  Faerie  Queene 

117.    Live  pure,  etc.     See  Guinevere,  466-474. 

122.    frequent.     CL  ^iassinger^s  Parliament  of  Love :  — 


Page  22]  GARETH  AND  LYXETTE  266 

Suffering  such  a  crew  of  riotous  {gallants, 
Not  of  the  best  repute,  to  be  so  frequent 
Both  in  your  house  and  presence." 

126.   easeful  biding.     Comfortable,  easy  mode  of  living. 

128.  till  the  cloud.  Till  it's  proved  that  he  is  the  rightful  heir 
to  the  throne.  The  same  meaning  of  "  cloud  "  is  in  the  legal  term 
of  a  "cloud"  resting  on  a  title  to  real  estate,  i.e.  the  right  of  the 
holder  to  the  property  is  not  entirely  clear. 

131.  So  that  ye  yield  me.  "  I'll  remain  not  an  hour,  if  only  I 
can  obtain  your  full  consent  to  my  going." 

133.    Not  proven.     Is  not  his  title  proven  ? 

135.  idolaters.  Heathen  mentioned  in  The  Coming  of  'Arthur, 
517,  518. 

loO.  unwaveringly  one.  Always  the  same,  i.e.  to  join  Arthur's 
court. 

142.    proof.    Test. 

147.  to  prove  me  to  the  quick.  Gareth  is  willing  to  undergo 
any  test,  even  one  which  may  cause  him  mental  or  bodily  suffering. 
Note  the  two  uses  of  "rjuick."  Gareth's  earnestness  and  humor- 
ous petulance  with  his  mother  are  well  indicated  by  this  youthful 
pun  at  the  very  moment  of  the  obtaining  of  his  request. 

150.  to  serve  for  meats.  Keceive  food  but  no  wages  for  his 
services. 

151.  knaves.  At  first  this  word  meant  a  boy  ;  then  a  servant  ; 
then  a  sly  fellow  ;  and  finally  a  villain. 

152.  the  bar.  The  rail  or  board  over  which  food  was  passed  from 
the  kitchen  to  the  dining  hall. 

157.  villain.  Originally  this  word  meant  a  farmer.  It  is  de- 
rived from  the  low  Latin  iiillamts,  a  farm  ScM-^^ant,  a  serf.  The 
word  soon  became  a  term  of  reproach  and  meant  low  or  base.  — 
Skeat. 

158.  princely-proud.  Another  example  of  Tennyson's  alliters*- 
tive  compounds. 

102.    thrall.     An    Anglo-Saxon    word    borrowed    from    Xorse 


266  NOTES  [Page  23 

Formed  from  the  word  thrag,  to  run  ;  hence  a  thrall  is  one  who 
runs  on  errands,  i.e.  a  servant  or  serf.  — Skeat. 

172.    outward  purpose.    Interfered  with  his  purpose  of  going  away. 

18-3.  Camelot.  "  On  the  latest  limit  of  the  West,  in  the  land  of 
Lyonnesse,  where  save  the  rocky  Isles  of  Scilly,  all  is  now  wild  sea, 
rose  the  sacred  Mount  of  Camelot.  It  rose  from  the  deeps,  with 
gardens  and  bowers,  and  palaces,  and  at  the  top  of  the  mount  was 
King  Arthur's  hall  and  the  holy  minster  with  the  cross  of  gold."  — 
A  prose  sketch  found  among  Tennyson's  papers.  In  Lancelot  and 
Elaine,  75  and  70,  Tennyson  speaks  as  though  Camelot  were  near 
London.  See  also  Holy  Grail,  227-231.  Caxton  locates  Camelot 
in  Wales,  and  Malory  says  it  was  situated  near  Winchester. 

18<3.  silver-misty  .  .  .  morn  had  disappeared.  "The  Mount  was 
the  most  beautiful  in  the  world,  sometimes  green  and  fresh  in  the 
beam  of  morning,  sometimes  all  one  splendor,  folded  in  the  golden 
mists  of  the  West.  But  all  underneath  was  hollow  and  the  moun- 
tain trembled,  wdien  the  seas  rushed  bellowing  through  the  por- 
phyry caves  ;  and  there  ran  a  prophecy  that  the  mountain  and  the 
city  on  some  wild  morning  would  topple  into  the  abyss  and  be  no 
more."  —  Manuscript  of  Tennyson. 

191.    Pricked.     Penetrated.     See  Hob/  Grail,  424-425. 

200.  But  only  changeling.  See  note  on  line  302  in  Hie  Coming 
of  Arthur. 

201.  sorcery.     Magic. 

202.  glamour.   Enchantment. 

209.  no  gate  like  it.  See  Holy  Grail,  358  ;  Lancelot  and  Elaine, 
795-839. 

210.  keystone.  The  middle  stone  of  an  arch  against  which  all 
the  other  stones  press,  lined  and  rippled,  cut  or  engraved  with 
w^ave-like  lines  to  represent  the  wrinkles  or  ripples  on  the  surface 
of  the  water. 

218.  either.     Each. 

219.  sacred  fish.  Emblem  used  by  early  Christians.  The  fish 
was  carved  on  the  tombs  of  the  catacombs  as  indicating,  in  brief 


Page  25]  GARETH  AND  LYXETTE  267 

form,  a  confession  of  faith  intelligible  to  tlie  learned  and  the  igno- 
rant. The  letters  of  the  Greek  word  for  fish  formed  the  initial 
letters  of  the  words :  IX9T2,  '1770-65  XpLO-rbs,  Qeov  Tibs,  "Zur^p ; 
"Jesus  Christ,  Son  of  God,  Saviour." 

221.  Arthur's  wars,  etc.  The  records  of  Arthur's  wars  were 
engraved  in  mystical  characters  upon  the  gate. 

222.  co-twisted.     Twisted  together. 

229.  dragon  boughts.  Bends  or  folds  of  a  dragon's  tail,  elvish 
emblemings.     Fairy  symbols. 

230.  seethe.     Boil. 

"  He  coude  roste,  and  sethe,  and  broille,  and  frye." 

—  Chaucer's  Prologue,  383. 

248.  Seer.     TVizard.      playing  on.     Making  sport  of  him. 

249.  Son,  I  have  seen,  etc.  Refers  to  mirages,  i.e.  optical 
illusions  by  means  of  which  distant  objects  appear  near  at  hand. 

250.  Take  thou  the  truth,  etc.  A  sarcastic  reference  to  Gareth's 
untruthful  answer  to  Merlin's  question.     See  line  238. 

256.  Severed  mount.  Parnassus,  the  mountain  of  Apollo  and  the 
Muses. 

258.  And  built,  etc.  Troy  and  Thebes  were  so  built  according 
to  Greek  legend. 

275.  reverence  thine  own  beard,  etc.  Do  not  dishonor  thine 
own  beard,  the  badge  of  thy  declining  age,  by  lying. 

277.    statured  tall.     Grown  to  a  tall  height. 

280.  Riddling  of  the  Bards.  Bard  means  poet ;  and  this  name 
was  given  to  the  minstrels  of  Briton  and  Gaul,  who  were  supposed 
to  possess  the  gift  of  prophecy.  These  prophecies  were  often 
worded  so  that  they  presented  one  meaning  to  the  ear,  while  capa- 
ble, after  the  event,  of  another  and  opposite  interpretation. 

287.  brook.  Endure,  to  put  up  with.  Middle  English,  brouke; 
which  was  mostly  used  in  the  sense  of  to  use,  to  enjoy.  —  Skeat. 

297.  rich  in  emblem.     Rich  in  ornament. 

298.  did  their  days  in  stone.     Carved  their  deeds  in  stone. 


268  NOTES  [Pagk  28 

315,  hammering  in  his  ears.  Gareth  was  so  afraid  that  the 
King  would  pass  judgment  upon  him  for  the  lie  that  the  throbs  of 
his  heart  could  be  heard  very  distinctly  in  his  ears. 

321.    ranged.     "  Stood  in  order." 

333.    Whether.     "  Which  of  two." —Ske at. 

340.   Accursed,  who.     Accursed  be  he  who. 

345.    barons'  war.     See  The  ComUlg  of  Arthur^  104-115. 

348.  I  held  with  these.  I  took  the  part  of  the  barons,  and  I 
dislike  to  ask  thee  for  anything. 

351.  standeth  seized.  Took  possession  of  and  still  holds  it. 
Middle  English,  saisen^  seysen ;  originally  a  law  term,  to  give 
seisin  or  livery  of  land,  to  put  one  in  possession  of,  to  take  posses- 
sion of  ;  hence,  to  grasp.  —  Skeat. 

359.  seneschal.  Steward.  Originally  meant  old  (i.e.  chief) 
servant ;  from  Gothic  sins^  old,  and  salks^  a  servant.  —  Skeat. 

362.  gyre.  A  fetter,  gag.  An  instrument  inserted  in  the 
mouth  to  prevent  speech.  A  common  mode  of  punishment  for 
scolds  in  colonial  days  in  Xew  England. 

366.  had.     Would  have. 

367.  Aurelius  Emrys.  Brother  of  Uther.  See  note  to  line  13 
in  The  Comimj  of  Arthur. 

371.  lay  him  low.  Bring  him  to  the  ground,  and  make  him  a 
prisoner. 

380.    charlock.     A  kind  of  wild  mustard  plant. 

383.  vassal.  Feudal  dependant.  "  The  original  sense  is  ser- 
vant, and  the  word  is  of  Celtic  origin."  —  Skkat. 

385.  of  his  grace.     Through  his  kindliness. 

386.  cousin.  Kinsman.  "  Formerly  applied  to  a  near  relative, 
generally  not  in  the  modern  restricted  sense." — Skeat. 

"  This  Palamon  gan  knitte  his  browes  tweye: 
*  It  nere,'  quod  he,  '  to  thee  no  greet  honour 
For  to  be  fals,  ue  for  to  be  tray  tour 
To  me,  that  am  thy  cosin  and  thy  brother.'  " 

—  Chaucer's  Knij/htes  Tale,  270-274. 


Page  30J  GARETH  AND   LYXETTE  269 

387.  himself.  He,  himself.  Cf.  the  similar  and  frequent  use 
of  the  reflexive  pronoun  in  Scott's  novels,  of  the  greater  state. 
Of  higher  standing. 

391.  fealty.     True  service. 

392.  cried  to  rend.     Cried  to  his  servants  to  tear,  etc, 

397.  A  stately  pile  .  .  .  hearth.  A  large  arched  projection 
extending  beyond  the  hearth. 

399.    treble  range.     Three  row.s. 

401.  a  knight,  etc.  A  knight's  name  was  written  beneath 
every  shield. 

405.  blazon'd.  '-Blazon  comes  from  the  French  blason,  a  coat  of 
arms  ;  in  the  eleventh  century,  a  buckler,  a  shield  ;  then  a  shield, 
with  a  coat  of  arms  of  a  knight  painted  on  it ;  lastly,  towards 
the  fifteenth  century  the  coats  of  arms  themselves."  —  Skeat. 

406.  blank.  Void,  originally  pale.  Derived  from  French, 
hlaac,  white. — Skeat. 

411.    reave.     Deprive. 

415.    Of  whom  were  any.     If  any  of  whom  were  bounteous,  etc. 

419.    churl.     A  farmer.     From  Anglo-Saxon  ceorl. 

421.  hold  him.     Keep  him  back. 

422.  lap.  To  wrap,  to  involve,  to  fold,  cloth  of  lead.  A  ref- 
erence to  the  leaden  coffins  then  in  use. 

423.  craven.  A  coward  ;  one  who  is  defeated.  From  the  Old 
French  creant. 

424.  wayside  ambushings.  Hiding  in  the  woods  or  thicket 
along  the  wayside. 

430.  and  evermore,  etc.  Upon  the  receipt  of  these  reports  at 
Arthur's  court,  a  knight  would  always  ride  away  to  redress  the 
wrongs  done  "by  beast  and  man." 

431.  From  this  line  Tennyson  follows  the  story  found  in  Mal- 
ory's Morte  (.V Arthur.  — Macailay. 

434.  ashamed.  He  was  ashamed  of  the  deception  he  was  com- 
pelled to  practise  upon  the  King  because  of  the  promise  given  his 
mother. 


270  NOTES  [Page  32 

440.    goodly.     Virtuous,     goodlier.     Better. 

442.  be  thine.     Be  thy  master. 

443.  mien.     Lofty  bearing. 

444.  wan-sallow.     Colorless.     Wan  and  sallow  both  mean  pale. 

445.  Root-bitten  by  white  lichen.  Bitten  at  the  root  by  a  flower- 
less  plant.  Lichen  is  generally  connected  with  a  Greek  word, 
meaning  to  lick  up,  i.e.  from  its  encroachments. — Skeat. 

447.  wot.  Knows.  "I  wot  right  wel,  thou  darst  it  nat  witli- 
seyn." — Cukvc^rCs  Knightes  Tale,  brewis.  Broth  ;  from  6r<'20, 
meaning  to  boil  down.  —  Skeat. 

451.  Lancelot.  See  Lancelot  and  Elaine^  67-68  ;  The  Coming 
of  Arthur,   125-131,  446-451. 

452.  Sleuth-hound.  '-A  hound  that  follows  the  slot  or  sleuth, 
i.e.  the  tracks  of  the  deer."     gray.     Greyhound.  \ 

454.    fluent.     Flowing. 

457.  But,  or  from  sheepcot.  Whether  of  low  or  high  estate,  the 
boy  has  a  noble  nature. 

459.  shame  thy  judging.  If  he  prove  to  be  of  better  birth  than 
thou  judgest  him  to  be,  thou  wilt  be  ashamed  of  thy  judgment  of 
him  ;  therefore,  treat  him  kindly. 

465.  Sir  Fair-hands.  The  meaning  of  Beaumains,  the  name 
given  to  Gareth  by  Sir  Kay. 

469.  sooty  yoke.  The  black  deposit  of  smoke  on  the  hands  and 
face  of  Gareth  was  a  badge  of  his  kitchen  service. 

476.  broach.  Spit.  From  Old  French,  hroche,  a  spit ;  Low 
Latin,  brocca,  a  pointed  stick.  Originally  the  same  word  as 
brooch.  —  Skeat. 

477.  grosser.     Coarser,  unrefined. 

489.  tarns.     Small  lakes. 

490.  Caer-Eryri's.     Snowdon's  summit. 

492.  Isle  Avilion.  See  The  Passing  of  Arthur,  427.  This  is 
supposed  to  be  "the  peninsula  formed  by  the  river  Brue,  or  Brye, 
at  Glastonbury  ;  but  in  Arthurian  romance  it  is  a  kind  of  mythical 
'isle  of  the  Blest,'  situated  somewhere  in  the  ocean."  —  Macaulay. 


Page  33]  GARETH  AND  LYNETTE  271 

496.  roundelay.  A  poem,  so  called  because  of  the  first  line 
coining  round  again.  —  Skeat. 

499.  sliced.  Cut  a  way  marked  with  the  bubbling  blood  of  the 
dragon. 

501.    gap-mouthed.     Open-mouthed  with  wonder. 

519.    Between  in-crescent  and  de-crescent.     Full  moon. 

524.  ragged.  Uneven.  This  word  originally  meant  shaggy. 
Gower  applies  this  word  to  a  tree. — Skeat. 

528.  Peter's  knee.     St.  Peter  holds  the  keys  of  heaven. 

529.  These  news.  These  tidings.  News  was  formerly  a  plural 
noim.  "These  are  news  indeed." — Borneo  and  Juliet,  be.  Old 
southern  form  of  third  person  plural.  —  Skeat. 

532.  staggered.     See  lines  25,  30. 

540.  yield  thee  thine.  Grant  thee  the  place  which  is  thine  by 
right  of  birth. 

542.  utter  hardihood.     Greatest  bravery. 

546.  for.     xVs  for. 

547.  demand.     Ask  the  Seneschal  to  tell  you  of  my  obedience. 
549.  No  mellow,  etc.      No  kind  or  compassionate  iLaster,  etc. 

The  true  sense  of  mellow  is  soft,  pulpy,  tender. 

571.  the  lions,  etc.  See  line  1186  of  this  Idyll,  and  line  659  of 
Lancelot  and  Elaine. 

574.  brow  May-blossom.     Brow  of  white,  like  the  May-blossom. 

575.  cheek  of  apple-blossom.  Cheek  like  the  apple-blossom, 
white  tinged  with  pink. 

577.  Tip-tilted.  "  Her  petulant,  testy  ways  were  in  keeping 
with  her  tip-tilted  nose."  —  Bayxe. 

579.    for.     Since. 

584.    lonest  hold.     ^Most  remote  stronghold. 

586  best  blood.  Sacramental  wine,  typical  of  the  blood  of 
Christ. 

587.    I  nor  mine.     Neither  I  nor  mine.  ^ 

603.    purport.     "Purpose." 

607.    a  holy  life.     Become  a  nun. 


272  NOTES  [Page  31 

616.  from  the  moment.  From  moment  to  moment,  as  caprice 
indicates. 

G24.  a  helmet  mounted  with  a  skull.  A  helmet  on  which  a 
skull  was  mounted. 

"  Upon  his  head  he  wore  an  helmet  light, 
Made  of  a  dead  man's  skull,  that  seemed  a  ghastly  sight." 

—  Spenser's  i'Vferie  Queene. 

642.  Slew  the  may-white.  Caused  her  white  brow  to  become 
red. 

646.  lane  of  access.  The  passage  through  the  crowd  that  led  to 
the  King. 

647.  Slope.    Sloping. 
657.    Counter.    Opposite. 

G(j5.  This  bare  a  maiden  shield,  a  casque ;  that  held  The  horse, 
the  spear.  One  of  the  two  men  that  came  from  the  North  with 
Gareth  carried  a  helmet  and  a  blank  shield  ;  the  other  one  held  the 
horse  and  the  spear. 

669.  like  a  fuel-smothered  fire.  Like  a  fire  smothered  with 
fuel  and  from  which  a  bright  flame  often  issues. 

670.  brake  bright.     Came  forth  gaudily  attire'd  in  bright  annor. 
675.   donn'd.     Did  jDut  on  ;  don  is  a  contraction  of  do  on. 

678.  trenchant.  Cutting ;  from  French  trencher,  to  cut,  carve, 
slice,  hack,  hew.  —  Skeat. 

687.  ere  his  cause  Be  cool'd.  Before  the  feeling  which  caused 
him  to  fight  has  been  soothed. 

693.  the  King  hath  past  his  time.  The  King  acts  like  an  old 
man  whose  wits  are  wandering. 

713.  served  the  King  in  thee.  By  obeying  thee,  one  of  the 
King's  officers,  he  served  the  King. 

721.    Lackt.     Not  obtainable  ;  missing,  i.e.  not  present. 

729.  foul-flesh'd.  Having  a  smell  like  putrid  flesh,  agaric. 
The  scientific  name  for  a  kind  of  mushroom. —  Skeat.  holt. 
Wood 


Page  41]  GAREril  AXD  LYXETTE  2V3 

"  Whan  Zephirus  eek  ^nth  his  swete  breeth 
Inspired  hath  in  every  holt  and  heetli." 

—  Chaucek's  Prologue,  5-6. 

730.  carrion.  A  carcass  ;  from  the  Old  French  cv7ro?'^«e.  a  car- 
cass. —  Skeat. 

738.  ungentle  knight.  "'Yea,'  said  Beauniain.s,  'I  know  you 
for  an  ungentle  knight  of  the  court.'  " — Malory's  Morte  €? Arthur. 

740.    shoulder-slipt.     Shoulder  pushed  out  of  its  proper  place. 

742.  shingle.  Coarse  round  gravel  found  on  the  seashore  ;  it 
has  been  identitied  with  the  Norwegian  word  sinyl,  meaning  coarse 
round  stones.  —  Skeat. 

746.    fellowship.     Company. 

749.  unhappiness.  Ill  luck,  chance,  accident.  The  word  happy 
originally  meant  lucky. 

7-31.  Loon.  Also  spelled  lovm^  base  fellow ;  of  Low  German 
origin. 

700.  beknaved.  Called  knave.  The  prefix  6e  sometimes  means 
to  make. 

771.  spit.  Here  means  sword.  A  sarcastic  reference  to  Gareth's 
previous  kitchen  vassalage. 

778.  mere.  Pool.  The  original  sense  is  that  which  is  dead, 
hence  a  pool  of  stagnant  water. 

779.  eagle-owl.     Rare  in  Great  Britain. 

785.  straitlier.  ^lore  strictly,  more  rigidly,  from  Old  French 
estreit,  strait,  narrow,  close. — Skeat. 

791.    haling.     Old  form  of  hauling,  meaning  to  draw  violently. 

799.  caitiff.  Now  means  a  mean  fellow,  a  wretch ;  it  for- 
merly meant  a  captive.  It  comes  from  the  Old  French  caitif,  a 
captive. 

802.   vermin.     Any  small  obnoxious  animal. 

804.  wan.  Now  means  pale  ;  it  formerly  meant  colorless  ; 
hence  the  meaning  here  is  dark. 

813.    harborage.     Lodging,  place  of  shelter. 

820.   rout.     A  defeat ;  a  troop  or  crowd  of  people.     A  defeat  is 


274  NOTES  [Page  44 

a  broken  mass  of  flying  men.  A  troop  is  a  fragment  of  an  army  ; 
lience  the  word  nmt  means  a  crowd  of  people  in  disorder.  — Skeat. 

821.   had  scatter' d.     Would  have  scattered. 

828.  Gate.  Provision.  It  comes  from  Low  Latin  accaptum,  a 
purchase,  through  French,  acat^  achat. —  Skeat. 

"  Cooks  shall  have  pensions  to  provide  us  cates." 

—  Marlowe's  Tamburlaine,  I.  3,  219. 

832.  meseems.     It  seems  to  me. 

839.    frontless.     "Shameless." 

844.    stick  swine.     To  kill  by  sticking  a  knife  into  the  throat. 

862.  avail.  Help,  from  Old  French  valoir,  valer^  to  be  of 
use. 

871.  stoat.  A  small  animal  of  the  weasel  kind,  isled  together. 
Lodged  together  on  the  same  island. 

873.   ruth.     Pity. 

881.   hers.     Cinderella. 

889.   Lent-lily.     Yellow  daffodil.  —  Macaulay. 

908.   Avanturine.     Variety  of  feldspar,  with  scales  of  mica. 

913.    Glorying.     Showing  off  his  gorgeous  attire. 

934.  lightly.     Nimbly,  quickly. 

935.  Avoid.  Go  away.  It  originally  meant  empty,  beseemeth 
not.     Not  suitable,  or  not  becoming. 

939.  central  bridge.  "  The  centre  of  the  bridge."  Cf.  the  cor- 
responding Lathi  expression. 

948.  grovelling.  Lying  flat.  "  Groveling  was  in  use  as  an  ad- 
verb with  the  suffix  ling,  but  this  was  readily  mistaken  for  the 
present  participle  of  a  verb,  and  the  ing  being  dropped,  the  new 
verb  to  grovel,  emerged."  — Skeat. 

951.    grace.     Favor. 

971.  felon.     Originally  a  traitor,  a  wicked  man. 

972.  thou.     Gareth. 

979.   parable.     Fable,  allegory.     See  line  1169. 


Page  49]  GARETH  AND  LYNETTE  275 

990.  To  worry.  To  harass,  tease.  The  old  meaning  was  to 
seize  by  the  throat  as  a  dog  worries  a  rat. 

1001.  Burnish'd  to  blinding.  Polished  so  highly  that  it  daz- 
zled the  eyes.  Noonday  Sun.  See  lines  1169-1176  and  line 
836. 

1002.  the  flower.     The  yellow  dandelion. 

1005.  flying  blots.  Gareth's  eyes  were  so  affected  by  the  highly 
polished  shield,  that  he  could  not  see  clearly. 

1008.  brother.  Gareth  conquered  the  Morning  Star  and  after- 
ward carried  his  shield.  The  Noon-Sun^  seeing  the  shield,  thinks 
that  Gareth  is  his  brother  and  so  addresses  him.  marches.  Bor- 
ders ;  from  Anglo-Saxon  marc,  a  mark,  fixed  point,  boundary. 

1012.  vizoring  up.  Covering  up  with  the  vizor,  i.e.  part  of  the 
helmet  which  covers  the  face. 

lOlo.    cipher.     Denoting  nothing,  expressionless. 

1048.  rosemaries  and  bay.  Decorated  with  rosemary,  i.e.  a 
small  evergreen  shrub,  and  with  the  leaves  of  a  kind  of  a  laurel 
tree,  known  as  the  bay  tree. 

10.i2.    mavis.     A  song  thrush,     merle.     A  blackbird. 

1000.    treble  bow.     Three  arches. 

106-'5.    deep-dimpled.     Forming  small  hollows,  i.e.  eddies. 

1072.    ward.     Watching  place  or  place  of  defence. 

1075.  disaster.  "From  Latin  (?<s,  with  a  sinister  sense,  and 
aster,  a  star.     It  means  evil  star,  a  calamity."  —  Skeat. 

1080.  brag.  A  boast.  The  root  probably  appears  in  the  Gaelic 
bragh,  a  burst,  an  explosion.  —  Skeat. 

1004.    There  met  him  drawn.    There  met  him  with  drawn  sword. 

1097.  vaulted.  Leapt  ;  "  from  French  volte,  a  round  or  turn  ; 
and  thence  the  bounding  turn  which  cunning  riders  teach  their 
horses  ;  also  a  tumbler's  gambol."  —  Skeat. 

1100.    for  he  seemed,  etc.     Compare  Geraint  and  Enid,  901. 

1109.    I  have  prophesied.     See  line  1077. 

1117.  Southwesterns.  Southwest  winds  causing  high  waves. 
ridge.    Tennyson  frequently  uses  7'idge  in  reference  to  waves. 


276  NOTES  [Page  54 

"The  Biscay,  roughly  ridging  eastward."  —  Enoch  Arden. 
"  And  the  hollow  ocean-ridges  roaring  into  cataracts." 

—  Locksley  Hall. 

1122.  writhed.  Twined,  wiry.  Having  the  properties  of  wire, 
i.e.  flexibility, 

lloO.  trefoil.  A  three-leaved  plant  as  the  clover;  from  Latin 
tri,  three,  and  folhnn,  a  leaf. 

1144.    Would  handle  scorn.     Would  use  disdain. 

1146.    Good  sooth.     Good  truth. 

1150.  waywardness.  Perverseness  ;  wayward  is  away-ward, 
i.e.  turned  away. 

1163.    comb.     Also  spelled  combe,  a  narrow  hollow  in  a  hillside, 

1169.  suck'd  their  allegory.  Obtained  their  suggestions  of  the 
allegory  which  they  have  just  enacted. 

1172.    vexillary.     Standard-bearer. 

1174.  Phosphorus.  Morning  Star.  Meridies.  Midday.  Hes. 
perus.     Evening  Star.   ,Nox,     Night,     Mors.     Death, 

1182.    dislocated.     See  line  740. 

1186.    blue  shield-lions.     See  note  to  line  571. 

1221.   playednipon.     See  note  to  line  248. 

1231,  overthrower  from  being  overthrown.  A  person  learns  to 
overthrow  by  being  overthrown  many  times  ;  that  is,  he  acquires 
skill  and  learns  how  to  parry  thrusts. 

1277.  from  my  hold,  etc.  It  seemed  to  Gareth  when  he  fiercely 
clutched  Lancelot's  shield  as  though  virtue  and  fire  streaming  from 
the  lions  entered  him,  and  with  renewed  strength  and  courage  he 
felt  confident  that  he  would  be  victorious, 

1281.  Arthur's  Harp.  "The  constellation  known  as  the  Great 
Bear,"  —  Litterdale.   See  Holy  Grail,  683  ;  Last  Tournament,  333. 

1293.    Flung.     Flung  from  horse, 

1298,  Appal.  "Original  meaning  is,  grow  pale,  then  make 
pale,  tlien  frighten,"  —  Ske.\t, 

1305.    closing  in.     As  holding  within,  containing. 

1312.    belike.     Likely,  perhaps. 


Page  60]  THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  277 

1313.  urged.     Told. 

1314.  All  the  devisings,  etc.     All  the  devices  used  in  chivalry, 
i.e.  "  all  the  tricks  of  the  trade." 

1318.   fineness.      '-Clever     management,      finesse."      Instant. 
Urgent ;  from  Latin  instans,  present,  ui'geut. 

1324.    palling.  Covering  with  a  pall ;  from  Latin  pa.Ua,  a  mantle. 

1348.   fleshless  laughter.     Hollow  laughter. 

1362.   prickled.     Caused  a  pricking  sensation  in  the  skin. 

"Felt  a  horror  over  me  creep. 
Prickle  my  skin  and  catch  my  breath." 

—  Texnysox's  Maud,  XIV.  4. 

1377.   stay  the  world.     Prevent   Lady  Lyonors  from  mingling 
with  the  world. 

1392.    he.     Malory. 
1394.    he.     Tennyson. 


THE  MARRIAGE  OF  GERAINT 

A  tributary  prince  of  Devon.     See  Garcth  and  Lynette,  413- 


2. 
417. 


3.    Order  of  the  Table  Round.     See  Guinevere,  457-474. 

6.  And  as  the  light  .  .  .  and  in  gems.  Day  by  day  Geraint 
loved  to  see  Enid's  beauty  set  off  by  crimson  like  the  sunrise,  by 
purple  like  the  sunset,  or  by  gems  like  the  stars  of  night. 

17.  Array'd.  Array  formerly  meant  to  set  in  order.  It  comes 
from  the  Old  French  arraier,  to  arrange,*  to  prepare,  but  it  is 
derived  from  the  Scandinavian  reda,  order,  a  word  closely  allied  to 
the  Anglo-Saxon  i-ade,  prepared,  dressed,  our  Modern  English 
word  ready.  To  array,  and  to  get  ready,  come  from  the  same 
root ;  and  hence  to  array  means  to  dress. —  Skeat. 

22.    close.     Attached,  intimate,  familiar. 

2o.  their  common  love.  Their  mutual  love,  i.e.  love  given 
and  received.     See  lines  791-792. 


278  NOTES  [Page  63 

26.  lived  no  proof.  The  rumors  of  Guinevere's  guilt  had  not 
yet  assumed  the  form  of  proof. 

31.    taint.     A  tinge,  dye,  stain,  or  blemish. 

35.  bandit.  A  robber,  an  outlaw.  From  Italian  bandito,  out- 
lawed, past  participle  of  bandire,  to  banish. 

.'>9.  common  sewer.  The  part  of  the  realm  where  each  of  these 
robbers  was  wont  to  commit  his  depredations.  See  Geraint  and 
Enid,  894. 

4:2.  Mused  a  little.  Meditated  for  a  sliort  time.  For  explana- 
tion of  his  meditation,  see  Geraint  and  Enid.,  887-893. 

45.  Severn.  A  river  over  which  it  was  necessary  to  pass  in 
order  to  reach  Devon. 

48.  compass'd.  Encompassed,  surrounded,  observances.  To- 
kens of  regard. 

49.  worship.     Short  for  worthship. 

51.  falcon.     A  bird  of  prey,  trained  to  pursue  other  game. 

52.  tilt.  The  act  of  thrusting  swords  in  tournaments,  tourna- 
ment.    A  mock  fight. 

60.  molten.  Old  past  participle  of  to  melt,  uxoriousness.  Ex- 
cessive fondness  for  a  wife. 

62.    attired.     Dressed,  adorned. 

70.  They  sleeping  each  by  either.  Similar  expression  in  The 
Coming  of  Arthur,  130. 

71.  blindness.  Without  blinds ;  a  blind  is  anything  which  shuts 
out  the  light,  casement.  A  frame  of  a  window,  also  applied  to  the 
whole  window. 

77.  As  slopes,  etc.  *  "  One  of  the  many  similes  found  in  Tenny- 
son's works  which  show  his  keen  observation  of  nature."  —  Rolff. 

91.    And  yet.     Notwithstanding  I  dare  not  speak. 

102.  Am  I  so  bold.  Am  I  courageous  enough  to  follow  my  lord 
to  battle  and  "  see  him  wounded,"  and  yet  do  I  lack  the  courage 
*'  to  tell  him  what  I  think  ?  " 

116.  For  all  my  pains.  In  spite  of  all  my  precaution.  See 
lines  46-49.     poor  man.     Geraint  pities  himself  because,  although 


Page  66]  THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  279 

he  had  removed  Enid  from  all  temptation  and  had  surrounded  her 
with  -'sweet  observances,"  yet  he  fears  that  her  nature  has  become 
tainted  and  she  loves  some  gay  knight  in  Arthur's  hall. 
126.   palfrey.     A  saddle  horse,  especially  a  lady's  horse. 

"  His  palfrey  was  as  broun  as  is  a  berye." 

—  Chaucer:  Prolog  up,  201. 

128.  my  spurs  are  yet  to  win.  My  honors  of  knighthood  are  not 
yet  won. 

138.  sprigs  of  summer.  Sprigs  of  some  sweet-smelling  shrub, 
probably  lavender. 

145.  Whitsuntide,  \yeek  following  Pentecost  Sunday.  It  re- 
ceived the  name  of  "  White  Sunday  (time)"  from  the  white  robes 
of  the  newly  baptized. 

146.  Caerleon  upon  Usk.  A  town  in  Monmouth  upon  the  river 
Usk,  two  miles  from  Newport.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  296. 

148.  a  forester  of  Dean.  "The  forest  of  Dean  was  a  tract  of 
country  west  of  the  Severn." — Litterdale. 

185.  Cavall.  "  Carn  Cavall  is  a  mountain  in  Wales  where,  ac- 
cording to  tradition,  there  existed  a  stone  with  a  footprint  of  this 
dog  upon  it."  —  Mac  AULA  Y. 

191.    not  mindful  of  his  face.     Not  remembering  his  face. 

209.    instinctive  hand.     Hand  guided  by  a  natural  impulse. 

213.  Wroth  to  be  wroth  at  such  a  worm.  Angry  at  himself  for 
allowing  this  worm  to  make  him  angry. 

217.   earths.     Hiding-places;  holes. 

220.  or  else  for  pledge.  Or  else  for  some  article  left  as  security, 
being  found.     Arms  being  found. 

231.  bridals.  Bride-ale,  wedding  ale,  wedding  banquet  ;  hence 
used  for  the  occasion  itself. 

233.  at  bay.  A  stag  when  tired  of  running  or  hard  pressed 
turns  upon  the  hounds,  who  bark  or  bay  at  him. 

240.    sank.     Descended  the  ridge  and  disappeared  from  view. 

248.   As  of  a  broad  brook  over  a  shingly  bed  Brawling.     A  noise 


280  NOTES  [Page  70 

was  heard  Jike  that  of  the  roaring  of  a  brook  over  a  bed  of  coarse 
round  gravel. 

2G0.  sparrow-hawk.  The  sparrow-hawk  was  considered  an 
ignoble  bird  of  prey. 

262.  sloping  beam.  The  rays  of  the  sun  were  inclined  because 
it  was  near  evening. 

2G4.  hubbub.  "  A  confused  noise.  The  old  spelling  is  whoobub. 
It  is  connected  with  whoop.''''  — Skeat. 

273.  flashed  into  sudden  spleen.  Became  suddenly  angry.  The 
spleen  was  supposed  by  the  ancients  to  be  the  seal  of  anger. 

274.  pips.  Diseases.  Tips,  a  disease  of  fowls  in  which  a  horny 
substance  grows  on  the  tip  of  the  tongue. 

288.   scantly.     A  very  little ;  brief. 

295.  musing.  Meditating.  "  French  7?iztser,  from  Old  French 
muse,  mouth,  snout  of  an  animal.  The  image  is  that  of  a  dog 
snuffing  idly  about  and  musing  what  direction  to  take,  and  may 
have  arisen  as  a  hunting  term."  —  Skeat. 

296.  frayed.     Worn  out  by  rubbing. 
802.    now  poor.     See  line  456. 

316.  plumed.  Appropriately  used  of  the  feather-like  ferns. 
"■Plume  comes  from  the  Ju&t'm  phnna,  a  small  soft  feather,  a  piece 
of  down.  It  was  probably  so  called  from  its  floating  in  the 
air."  —  Skeat. 

319.    wilding.     AVild. 

324.    suck'd,  etc.    Clung  to  the  mortar  which  joined  the  stones. 

330.    lander.     One  who  lands.     Coined  by  Tennyson. 

336.    liquid.     Soft,  clear. 

352.  hoard.  A  store,  a  treasure.  From  the  same  source  as 
house.     A  hoard  is  a  thing  housed.  —  Skeat. 

363.  in  dim  brocade.     In  a  faded  embroidered  garment. 

364.  vermeil-white.     Reddish  white. 
368.    rood.     The  holy  cross. 

386.    costrel.     "  Bottle  of  earthenware  or  wood."  —  Macaulay. 
389.   manchet.     *'  The  finest  kind  of  white  bread,"  —  Rolff. 


Page  75]  THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINr  281 

396.  trencher.  A  wooden  plate  on  which  provisions  are  cut. 
From  French  trencher,  to  cut. 

398.  made  summer.     Caused  his  blood  to  become  heated, 

399.  rove.  Derivative  of  rover,  robber,  a  pirate.  A  robbei 
wandered  about ;  hence  rover  is  a  wanderer,  and  to  rove  means  to 
wander. 

430.   somewhat.     Of  some  importance.     State.     Stature. 
432.    Camelot.     See  lines  18o  and  296  in  Gareth  and  Lynette. 
449.    is  the  mean.     Is  the  mean  man. 

458.  sack'd.  ''Plundered;  sack,  a  bag;  a  borrowed  word  in 
Hebrew  ;  and  probably  of  Egyptian  origin.  This  word  has  trav- 
elled everywhere  with  the  sto;y  of  Joseph."  —  Skeat, 

459.  ousted.  Ejected,  expelled.  "This  word  has  come  to  us 
through  law  French.  It  is  from  the  French  oster,  to  remove,  or 
put  out."  —  Skeat. 

472.    I  seem  to  suffer,  etc.     Neither  physical  nor  mental  pain. 

491.    toppling  over  all  antagonism.     Defeating  all  combatants. 

496.  lay  lance  in  rest.  One  of  the  preliminaries  of  an  en- 
counter. 

499.    so  fair.     See  Geraint  and  Enid,  614. 

504.  howsoever  patient,  Yniol,  etc.  Notwithstanding  Yniors 
stoic  attitude,  Geraint's  words  caused  his  heart  to  dance  in  his 
bosom. 

608.    old  dame.     See  line  363. 

513.   prove.     Ascertain  Enid's  feelings  toward  the  prince. 

519.  kept  her  off.  The  mother  kept  Enid  where  she  could  see 
her  face,  and  so  note  the  effect  of  the  news  which  Yniol  had  told 
her  to  impart  to  Enid. 

533.   Contemplating.     Considering  attentively. 

535.  To  quicken  to  the  sun.  To  become  alive.  The  sky.  which 
before  dawn  was  all  one  color,  at  sunrise  shows  the  enlivening  iu' 
tluence  of  the  sun,  by  the  constantly  changing  tints. 

537.  jousts.  The  original  sense  is  to  approach,  to  meet.  The 
dostile  sense,  to  encounter,  was  afterward  added. 


282  NOTES  [Page  78 

5o9.  twain.  "Two.  The  difference  between  two  and  twain 
was  originally  one  of  gender  only  ;  two  was  feminine  and  neuter, 
and  twain  was  masculine."'  —  Skeat. 

543.  Chair  of  Idris.  The  highest  mountain  in  Wales,  called 
Cader  Iris. 

545.  bearing  shone.  His  lofty  mien  was  noticeable,  though  he 
wore  Yniol's  rusty  armor,  errant  knights.  Wandering  knights, 
who  travelled  in  search  of  adventures. 

547.  Flowed  in.  Literally,  came  in  streams  ;  meaning  a  contin- 
uous, moving  mass. 

559.  Yule.  Christmas.  In  olden  times  it  was  customary  to 
build  a  great  wood  fire  upon  the  hearth  during  the  Christmas  fes- 
tivities. The  log  which  was  placed  on  this  fire  was  called  the  Yule 
log.  The  derivation  of  Yule  is  disputed,  but  Fick  explains  Yule 
as  meaning  noise,  outcry  ;  especially,  the  loud  sound  of  revelry 
and  rejoicing. — Skeat. 

565.  distant  walls.  The  echo  of  the  applause  of  the  crowd 
seemed  like  the  clapping  of  phantom  hands. 

570.  either's  force  was  matched,  'i'hey  were  equally  matched 
in  regard  to  strength. 

590.    Enid  sees  my  fall.     See  lines  823-872,  in  Gemini  and  Enid. 

593.    changed.     Cf.  line  896,  Geraint  and  Enid. 

596.  great  battle.  The  last  great  battle  described  in  The  Pass- 
ing of  Arthur. 

597.  the  third  day.     See  line  692. 

598.  Made  a  low  splendor.     The  sun  was  just  rising. 

613.  The  dress,  etc.  The  dress  was  not  more  faded  than  before 
Geraint's  coming,  but  it  seemed  so  to  Enid,  regarding  it  as  a 
wedding  gown. 

615.    still  she  looked.     Cf.  Goldsmith's  Deserted  Village. 

"  And  still  they  gazed  and  still  the  wonder  grew." 

631.  All  branch'd,  etc.  Embroidered  in  golden  branches  and 
flowers.  • 


Page  82]  THE    MARRIAGE    OF    GERAINT  283 

641.   sold  and  sold.     Sold  one  after  the  other. 

661.   garnet  or  turkis.     Garnet  or  turquois,  red  or  blue. 

663.    tissue.     Cloth  woven  ;  from  French  tisser,  to  weave. 

672.    mixen.     Dunghill. 

682.  keeps,  etc.  Retains  the  colors  which  have  been  wrought 
upon  the  shell  by  the  action  of  the  waves. 

707.    howsoever  patient.     See  line  504. 

712.    noble  maintenance.     The  support  of  a  noble  condition. 

724.   ragged-robin.     An  English  wild  flower. 

730.   like  those  of  old.     Esther  ii.  2-17. 

743.  Gwydion.  Math  and  Gwydion  sought  to  form  a  wife  for 
the  youth  Llew.  by  charms  and  illusions.  "  So  they  took  the  blos- 
soms of  the  oak,  and  the  blossoms  of  the  broom,  and  the  blossoms 
of  the  meadow-sweet,  and  produced  from  them  a  maiden,  the  fairest 
and  most  graceful  that  man  ever  saw."  —  Mabixogiox. 

744-745.  Cassivelaun,  Flur.  Caesar  invaded  Britain  during  the 
reign  of  Cassivelaun,  and  Tennyson  makes  Caesar's  love  for  Flur, 
Cassivelaun's  betrothed  bride,  who  had  been  carried  away  to 
Gaul,  and  whom  Cassivelaun  afterward  recovered,  the  pretext  for 
this  invasion. 

746.  beat  him  back.  Refers  to  Caesar's  defeat  and  retreat  to 
Gaul.     See  Geoffrey  of  ^Monmouth,  Chapter  V. 

774.  careful  robins,  etc.  Robins  carefully  watch  the  digger  to 
see  if  he  ttirn  up  something  for  their  food.  This  line  is  repeated  in 
Geraint  and  Enid,  431. 

800-804.  false  sense,  etc.  A  deceptive  or  untrue  perception  occa- 
sioned by  the  brightness  of  my  appearance  may  have  influenced 
her  imagination  and  made  her  long  for  court. 

809-811.  or  if  .  .  .  usage.  If  she  ever  were  used  to  splendid 
dresses,  she  will  appreciate  them  more  highly  after  a  period  of 
disuse. 

815.    shadow  of  mistrust.     See  Geraint  and  Enid,  248. 

818.  gaudy-day.  Day  of  gladness,  from  Latin  gaudium,  glad* 
ness,  joy. 


284  NOTES  [Page  87 

829.  yellow  sea.  "There  on  the  dull  yellow  foaming  floor  of 
dense,  discoloured  sea,  so  thick  with  clotted  sand  that  the  water 
looked  massive  and  solid  as  the  shore,  the  white  sails  flashed 
whiter  against  it  .  .  .  and  I  knew  .  .  .  that  the  eye  and  hand  of 
Tennyson  may  always  be  trusted  at  once  and  alike  to  see  and  ex- 
press the  truth."  — Swinburne, 

838.    Dubric.     See  lines  452  and  470  in  The  Coming  of  Arthur. 

.      GERAINT    AND   ENID 

1.  0  purblind  race.  Pure  blind,  wholly  blind,  originally ;  it  now 
means  nearly  blind.  —  Skeat. 

3.  Do  forge.  Are  forging;  forge  is  from  the  French /or^e,  de- 
rived from  the  Latin /a6r/ca,  a  workshop.  —  Skeat. 

G.  how  many.  Repetition  for  the  sake  of  emphasis  of  "How 
many  among  us"  in  line  2. 

7.    see.     I  Corinthians  xiii.  12. 

9.    got  to  horse.     Obtained  a  horse  ;  mounted, 

13.    dear.     Refers  to  head  ;  in  thunder,  refers  to  would  break. 

18.   aghast.     Struck  with  horror.     Rightly  spelled  agast. 

20.  Effeminate,  etc.  Refers  to  Enid's  words,  lines  106-107,  in 
The  Marriage  of  Geraint. 

25.  strown.  Old  form  of  the  past  participle  of  strew,  meaning  to 
scatter  loosely. 

27.  Chafing.  Rubbing,  because  the  purse  of  gold  had  struck  his 
shoulder, 

33.  Round.  "Quick."  We  speak  of  a  round  pace,  meaning  one 
in  which  the  speed  is  of  uniform  quickness. 

38.  0,  I  that,  etc.  This  sentence  was  not  completed.  Tenny- 
son has  better  expressed  Geraint's  unhappiness  by  not  finishing  the 
sentence.  His  heart  was  so  wrung  with  anguish  that  he  could  not 
find  words  to  express  his  unhappiness. 

49.  plover.  "  The  golden  plover,  which  possesses  a  whistle 
similar  to  a  man's." 


Page  90]  GERAIXT   AND    EXID  2^o 

51.    brake.     A  bush,  thicket,  also  fern.  ' 

86.  cubit.  An  old  measure  of  length  ;  from  Latin  cubitus,  a 
bend,  an  elbow  ;  hence  the  length  from  the  elbow  to  the  middle 
finger's  end. 

90.  windy  buffet.  A  stroke  that  made  a  whirring  noise  like  the 
wind. 

94.    Stript.     ^QQ  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  Z2.     • 

97.  each  on  each.  Each  suit  of  armor  was  fastened  to  the  horse 
which  the  owner  of  the  armor  had  previously  ridden. 

101.   ruth.     Pity,  compassion. 

110.    Caerleon.     See  line  140  in  The  Marriage  of  Geraint. 

119.  shallow  shade,  etc.     The  edge  of  the  woods. 

120.  stubborn.     Stubiike,  i.e.  firm-set. 

123.  shook  her  pulses.  Stirred  her  pulse,  made  her  pulse 
beat  more  quickly. 

125.    set  on.     Attack  her. 

154.    Not  dare.     Not  to  be  bold,  etc. 

157.   err'd.     Went  astray,  failed  to  reach  the  destined  place. 

159.  corselet.  A  piece  of  body  armor,  home.  To  the  place 
where  Geraint  intended  to  strike. 

161.    he.     Tennyson. 

104.   windy  walls.     The  face  of  the  cliff  swept  by  winds. 

K',8.  bulwark.  Their  strong  defence,  i.e.,  the  bandit  whom 
Enid  dreaded  most  because  of  his  strength. 

189.  disedge.  To  dull  or  make  blunt.  Tennyson  forms  many 
unusual  words  with  the  prefix  dis:  discaged  in  Gareth  and  Lynette. 
20,  and  dishorsed  in  The  Ma^-riage  of  Geraint.  563.  are  examples. 

193.   light.     ^Moving  quickly. 

195.   green  gloom.     Another  example  of  Tennyson's  alliteration. 

198.  a  meadow  gemlike.  A  green  fertile  spot  enclosed  by  the 
brown  wilderness  like  a  gem  in  its  setting,  chased.  Enchased  is 
the  better  form,  it  comes  from  Old  French  enrhasser,  to  set  in  gold. 
It  is  connected  with  French  caisse.  from  Latin  capsa,  a  box. 

202.    victual.     The  singular  is  little  used  now 


286  NOTES  [Page  95 

218.   stomach.     "Appetite.'* 

214.    To  close.     To  be  in  agreement. 

218.   guerdon.     Reward,  recompense. 

233.    angrier.     More  ravenous. 

242.  thought  himself  a  knight.  Because  of  the  guerdon  he 
received  from  Geraint  and  of  the  commission  given  him. 

245.    errant.     Wandering. 

247.   false  doom.   False  prophecy.    See  Marriage  of  Geraint,  SH. 

250.  Another  humorous  ruth.  Another  feeling  of  pity  arising 
from  bis  bum  or  (disposition  of  mind), 

255.    daws.     Jackdaws,  i.e.  birds  of  the  crow  family. 

258.  listless.  Made  without  interest.  The  literal  sense  is 
devoid  of  desire.  This  word  is  formed  from  lust,  longing  desire, 
the  old  meaning  of  which  is  pleasure,  and  the  suffix  less,  i.e. 
loose,  meaning  without,  annulet.  A  little  ring ;  from  Latin 
annulus,  a  ring,  a  diminutive  of  annus,  a  year  (originally  a 
circuit),  and  the  suffix  let,  meaning  little. 

266.  Voiceless  thro'  the  fault  of  birth.  Dumb  from  some 
defect  of  birth. 

267.  Or  two  wild  .  .  .  shield.  Savages  or  wild  men  are  the 
terms  used  in  heraldry  for  men  set  one  on  each  side  of  the  coat  of 
arms.  These  men  are  also  called  supporters.  The  royal  arms  of 
Denmark  have  wild  men  as  supporters. 

272.    drowse.     Drowsiness. 

277.    Limours.     See  line  440,  Marriage  of  Geraint. 

279.  full  face.  Notwithstanding  that  Limour's  full  face  \vas 
turned  toward  Geraint,  yet  out  of  the  corner  of  bis  eye  be  slyly 
watched  Enid. 

291.  took  the  word  and  play'd  upon  it.  Made  a  pun  ;  gave  it 
two  meanings. 

295,  facets.     Little  faces,  small  surfaces. 

306.  the  pilot  star.  Enid  is  compared  to  the  north  star,  used 
by  pilots  in  steering  because  of  its  unchanging  position. 

324.   lover's  quarrels.     "True  love  never  runs  smoothly." 


Page  99]  GERAINT   AND    ENID  287 

32-3.  bicker.  Quarrel.  Formed  from  the  verb  pick  in  the  orig- 
inal sense  of  to  peek,  to  use  the  beak.  The  interchange  of  b  and  p 
is  seen  in  beak  and  peak.  —  Skeat. 

o31.  A  common  chance.  Gareth  and  Lynette,  87.  pall'd. 
Become  vapid,  colorless,  and  so,  uninteresting. 

336.   ring  him  round.     Make  a  ring  around  him. 

340-;341.  My  malice  .  .  keep.  Liniours  tells  Enid  that  he  does 
not  intend  to  kill  Geraint,  but  to  imprison  him  in  some  stronghold. 
keep.  In  mediaeval  fortifications  the  keep  was  the  central  and 
principal  part  of  the  tower,  to  which  the  defenders  retired  when 
the  outer  walls  were  taken. 

353.  Guilty  or  guiltless.  Meaning  that  women,  called  upon  to 
face  a  sudden  peril,  use  their  mother  wit  to  protect  themselves 
from  deserved  or  undeserved  injury. 

356.    do  not  practise  on  me.     Do  not  deceive  me. 

362.  babbled.  Talked  foolishly,  said  repeatedly  like  an  intox- 
icated person. 

368.   commune.     I.e.  comuumion,  converse. 

382.  random.  The  earl  had  gathered  his  men  at  random,  with- 
out regard  to  fitness. 

388.    jangling.    Sounding  discordantly,     casque      A  helmet. 

390.    Your  sweet  faces,  etc.     The  sweet  faces  of  women,  etc. 

410.  Suddenly  honest.  Geraint'smagnanimity  amazes  the  host, 
and.  contrary  to  his  usual  custom,  he  does  not  overcharge. 

419.   would  obey.     Wish  to  obey. 

424-429.  be  not  too  wise,  etc.  Geraint  thinks  Enid's  continual 
warnings  are  a  reflection  upon  his  powers  of  observation  and 
judgment,  and  in  these  lines  he  tells  her  to  rely  upon  her  husband, 
who  is  no  foolish  fellow,  but  one  who  sees  and  hears  more  than  she 
gives  him  credit  for.     See  lines  108  and  114  in  Marriage  of  Geraint. 

430-431.    Marriage  of  Geraint.  773-774. 

446.  dewy.  It  was  still  very  early,  for  the  sun  had  not  yet 
dried  the  moisture  on  the  blades  of  grass. 

449.    bicker.     The  meaning  here  is  moving  quickly,  glancing 


288  yOTES  [Page  lOT 

455.  letter  of  his  word.  She  refrained  from  speaking,  yet  she 
warned  him. 

460.  ridden  off.  The  horse,  whose  movements  he  was  supposed 
to  govern,  had  half  run  away  with  him. 

461.  dry  shriek.  A  shriek  which  showed  that  his  throat  was 
parched. 

462-464.  bore  down.  Geraint  unhorsed  him,  and  he  fell  behind 
his  horse,  a  distance  equal  to  the  length  of  his  arm  and  his  lance 
together. 

467.  flash.     Quickness,  agility. 

468.  shoal.  Tlie  same  word  as  Middle  English  scole,  a  school ; 
hence  a  troop,  a  throng,  a  crowd,  — Skeat. 

470.   crystal  dykes.     Ditches  filled  with  clear  water. 

474.  twinkle.     Quick  motion. 

475.  cressy  islets,  etc.  Small  islands  covered  with  water-cresses 
in  bloom. 

477.  boon.     French  hon.  good, 

480.  stormy  sunlight  smiled  Geraint.     A  gloomy  smile. 

483.  the  flyers.     The  boon  companions. 

505.  wagg'd.     Moved  backward  and  forward. 

506.  swerving.    Turn. 

525.  perilous.  Because  he  might  imperil  his  own  life  by  helping 
a  victim  of  Earl  Doorm. 

5.32.  smoke.     Raise  clouds  of  dust. 

534.  scour'd.  Passed  quickly,  coppices.  Woods  of  small 
growth. 

538.  foray.  A  Lowland  Scotch  form  of  forage.  Forat/,  a  raid 
for  fodder,  rolling  eyes  of  prey.  Eyes  moving  in  every  direction 
in  search  of  plunder, 

557.  brawny.  Muscular  ;  braicn  comes  from  Old  French  braon, 
a  slice  of  flesh,  —  Skeat. 

565.    bier.     From  the  same  stem  as  bear,  to  carry. 

572.  settle.  A  long  bench  with  a  high  back,  derived  from  sit 
or  set. 


Page  107]  GERAIXT    AND    ENID  289 

590.  falling  afternoon.     Late  in  tlie  afternoon. 

595.  doff'd.  Doff,  contraction  of  do  off,  meaning  pull  off  ;  so, 
don,  do  on. 

600.   spears.     Spearmen.     See  line  539. 

604.  Naked  hall.  Kepetition  of  the  phrase  found  in  lines  569 
and  580. 

624.   And  I  will  do,  etc.     He  means  that  he  will  marry  her. 

631.    the  old  serpent,  etc.     Revelation  xii.  9. 

636.    their  best.     The  best  of  women,  meaning  Enid. 

660,    God's  curse.     Doorm's  favorite  oath.     See  line  615. 

679.    weed.     A  garment.     Cf.  widow's  weeds. 

687.    shoaling.     Shallow. 

697.  poor  gown.  Note  the  number  of  times  this  phrase  is  re- 
peated.    See  lines  701,  704. 

700.    God.     In  God's  name. 

727.    Shore.     Allied  to  shear,  meaning  to  cut. 

763.    four  rivers.     See  Genesis  ii.  10-14. 

766.  put  hand  to  hand.  Put  her  arms  around  him  and  cla.sped 
her  hands  beneath  his  heart. 

774-775.    laid  his  lance  in  rest.     See  Marriage  ofGeraint,  496. 

782.    him  who  gave  you  life.     See  Marriage  of  Geraint,  574. 

789-790.  I  was  .  .  .  hell.  ''Pride  goeth  before  destruction 
and  a  haughty  spirit  before  a  fall."  —  Proverbs  xvi.  18. 

809.  that  other.     The  other,  i.e.  Geraint. 

810.  halted.  He  hesitated  to  go  to  the  King  because  the  King 
might  a.sk  questions  which  would  reveal  the  manner  in  which  he 
had  treated  Enid. 

821.  old  fires.     Volcanoes. 

826.  prideful  sparkle.  You  caused  the  spark  of  pride  placed  bj 
nature  in  my  blood  to  break  into  furious  flame. 

830.  purpose.     Revealed  in  lines  838-844. 

835.  unconquerable.     See  Marriage  of  Geraint,  551-5oo. 

841.  ever  answer' d  Heaven.     Reflected  the  color  of  heaven. 

891.  alien.     Strange  eyes. 


290  NOTES  [Page  116 

892.    delegated  hands.     See  line  932. 

902,  903.  vicious  quitch  Of  blood  and  custom.  "Quitch  or 
quitch-grass  is  a  plant  of  the  wheat  kind.  It  has  creeping  roots. 
It  is  grown  for  pasture  in  some  places,  but  in  others  it  is  regarded 
as  a  troublesome  weed."  —  Macaulay.  -^ 

914.    risking.     Refers  to  Geraint's  feats. 

922.    leech.     Physician.     From  a  word  meaning  heal. 

926.    genial.     Made  his  blood  flow  pleasantly  through  his  body. 

928-929.  "  Bala  lake  is  in  Wales,  and  out  of  it  flows  the  Dee, 
which  the  Britons  counted  a  sacred  stream.  The  name  Deva  per- 
haps means  divine."  —  Macaulay. 

933.    guard.     Administer  the  laws. 

935-936.  The  White  Horse  on  the  Berkshire  hills  is  the  gigantic 
figure  of  a  horse,  made  on  the  side  of  a  hill  by  cutting  away  the 
turf  and  leaving  exposed  the  white  chalk  beneath,  which  commem- 
orates the  victory  of  Ashdown,  gained  by  the  English,  under 
Alfred,  over  the  Danes,  in  the  year  871. 

938.    wink'd.     Closed  his  eyes  to. 

940.  With  hearts  and  hands.  With  willing  hearts  and  willing 
hands. 

942.    Clear'd  the  dark  places.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  58. 

950.  was  breathed  upon.  Had  become  dull,  as  the  brightness 
of  glass  or  metal  is  dulled  by  being  breathed  upon. 

953.    Repetition  of  line  44,  Marriage  of  Geraint. 

957.   the  spiteful  whisper.     Marriage  of  Geraint^  56. 

968.   the  heathen.     The  Saxons. 


LANCELOT  AND  ELAINE 

2.   Astolat.     Guilford,  in  Surrey. 

4.  sacred.  Elaine  regarded  the  shield  as  sacred  because  of  the 
noble  deeds  blazoned  upon  it,  and  also  because  Lancelot  had  in- 
trusted it  to  her.     See  lines  380  and  381. 


Page  119]  LAXCELOT   AND    ELAINE  291 

7.  soilure.     Tarnishing. 

"Not  makiug  any  scruple  of  her  soilure." 

—  Troilus  and  Cressida,  IV.  i.  56. 

8.  braided.     Embroidered. 

10.  In  their  own  tinct.  In  their  proper  colors,  tinct.  Modem 
form,  tint.     wit.     Fancy. 

11.  border  fantasy.  A  border  embroidered  according  to  hej 
fancy. 

16.  read.     Studied  the  emblems  blazoned  upon  it. 

22.  Caerlyle.     Carlisle  in  Cumberland. 

2o.  Caerleon.  Geraint  and  Enid,  115,  116.  Camelot.  Gareth 
and  Lynette,  296-302. 

24.  God's  mercy.      God's  mercy  protect  us  from  similar  strokes. 

26.  his.     Lancelot's. 

27.  lived  in  fantasy.     "Gave  herself  up  to  romantic  fancies." 

—  ROWE. 

35.  Lyonnesse.  A  fabulous  cotmtry,  supposed  to  have  extended 
from  Cornwall  to  the  Scilly  Islands,  but  now  submerged. 

36.  tarn.     A  small  lake  or  pool,  without  inlet  or  outlet. 
46.    four  aside.     Four  on  each  side. 

50.  nape.  The  joint  of  the  neck  behind.  The  original  sense  is 
projection  or  knob,  and  the  term  must  have  been  first  applied  to 
the  slight  knob  at  the  back  of  the  head  felt  on  passing  the  finger 
upward  from  the  neck.  —  Skeat. 

53.  shingly.  Covered  with  shingles,  or  water-worn  stones  oi 
gi'avel.  See  The  Marriage  of  Geraint,  248.  scaur.  Or  scar,  a 
rock.  It  originally  meant  a  rock  cut  off  from  the  mainland.  This 
word  is  allied  to  share  and  shear. 

58.  These  jewels,  whereon  I  chanced  Divinely.  These  jewels 
which  I  discovered  by  divine  help. 

67.  still.  This  adverb  has  preserved  the  sense  of  continually, 
and  has  come  to  mean  always,  ever. 

75.  the  place  which  now  Is  this  world's  hugest.  Londoa 
which  ranks  first  in  population  in  the  world. 


292  NOTES  [Page  12J 

91.  tale.  Number.  The  number  of  diamonds  in  the  crown  was 
nine,     destined  boon.     See  line  70. 

93.  lets  me.  Hinders  me,  prevents  me.  Let  has  the  sense  of  to 
make  late. 

"He  letted  nat  his  felawe  for  to  see." 

—  Chaucer's  Canterbury  Tales. 

"  In  that  contree,  the  eyr  is  alwey  pure  and  cleer,  therefore  in  that 
contree  ben  the  gods  astronomeyeres,  for  thei  fynde  there  no 
clouds  to  letten  hem." — Sir  John  Maundeville.  Cf.  Hamlet, 
I.  iv.  86. 

106.  cricket.  A  shrill-voiced  insect.  This  w^ord  comes  from  the 
same  root  as  creak  and  crack.  WTien  .  .  .  nothing.  A  swarm  of 
crickets  settles  on  the  meadow  and  each  blade  of  grass  seems  to 
possess  a  voice  because  the  crickets  are  invisible,  yet  because  of 
the  insignificance  of  the  insects  their  shrill  noise  is  not  noticed. 

110.   allow'd.     Praised,  approved. 

125.    untruth.     Guinevere's  unfaithfulness  to  Arthur. 

128.  tamper'd  with  him.  Meddled.  Tamper  is  the  same  word 
as  temper,  but  used  in  a  bad  sense  ;  to  temper  is  to  moderate, 
allay  by  Influence,  but  to  tamper  means  to  influence  in  a  bad  way. 
—  Skeat. 

132.   He  is  all  fault,  etc. 

**  Faultily  faultless,  icily  regular,  splendidly  null, 
Dead  perfection,  no  more." 

—  Tennyson's  Maud,  II.  6,  7. 

138.  vermin  voices.  Voices  belonging  to  the  mean  low  people  of 
the  court  who  delight  to  spread  evil  tales.  Another  example  of 
Tennyson's  alliterative  compounds. 

157.  They  prove  to  him  his  work.  They  test  or  demonstrate 
the  goodness  of  the  Order  of  the  Roimd  Table  which  Arthur  had 
established. 


J-AGE  127]  LANCELOT    AND    ELAINE  293 

160.  barren-beaten.  Alliterative  compound,  meaning  made  ster- 
ile by  being  trodden. 

163.  lost  in  fancy,  lost  his  way.  His  imagination  held  full 
sway  over  him  and  he  lost  the  path.  This  line  is  a  good  example 
of  Tennyson's  "  epigrammatic  iteration,"  used  for  emphasis. 

235.    courtly.     Cf.  Gawain's  courtesy,  line  635. 

240.    like  to  like.     Cf. 

*'  Sweets  to  the  sweet." 

—  Shakspere. 

252.  who  was  yet  a  living  soul.  Lancelot's  conscience  was  not 
dead.     He  was  often  remorseful. 

253.  goodliest.     This  word  is  iLsed  by  Malory. 

257.  Seemed  .  .  .  cheek.  "Then  the  hermit  .  .  .  saw  by  a 
wound  on  his  cheek  that  he  was  Lancelot."  —  Malory. 

260.    glanc'd.     Spoke  of  Guinevere. 

270.  Suddenly  speaking,  etc.  He  quickly  changed  the  subject, 
because  he  did  not  wish  to  talk  of  Guinevere. 

279.  Badon  hill.  The  battle  of  Mons  Badonicus  is  mentioned 
by  Gildas  in  his  Latin  History  of  Britain.  Green  in  his  Short 
History  of  the  English  People  writes,  "It  is  certain  that  a  victory 
of  the  Britons  at  Mount  Badon,  in  the  yeiir  520,  checked  the  prog- 
ress of  the  West  Saxons,  and  was  followed  by  a  long  pause  in 
their  advance."  The  locality  is  supposed  to  be  Badbury  Hill  in 
Dorsetshire. 

280.  rapt.  Carried  away.  Originally  an  English  word,  the  past 
participle  of  rap,  to  hurry. 

203.  cuirass.  A  kind  of  brea.stplate,  originally  made  of  leather, 
whence  the  name.  From  the  French  cnir,  Latin  corium.  leather. 
Lady's  Head.     Head  of  the  Virgin  Mar\-. 

205.  lighten'd  as  he  breathed.  As  his  chest  rose  and  fell  the 
emerald  reflected  the  light  to  the  eyes  of  the  observer. 

297.    White  Horse.    The  White  Horse  was  the  emblem  of  the 


294  NOTES  [Page  128 

Saxons.  See  Geraint  and  Enid,  935  ;  Guinevere,  15,  16  ;  The  Holy 
Grail,  311-312. 

314.    the  fire  of  God.     See  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  127. 

330-335.  As  when  .  .  .  fullest.  These  lines  are  often  quoted 
in  connection  with  Watt's  portrait  of  Tennyson. 

338.  rathe,  adverb  meaning  soon,  early  ;  from  an  Anglo-Saxon 
word  of  which  the  comparative  is  rather. 

"  What  eyleth  yow  so  rathe  for  to  ryse  ?  " 

—  Chaucer:  Shipmanjies  Tale,99. 

"  No  man  duelleth  at  the  rathere  tourn  of  Damyete." 

—  Sir  John  Maundeville. 
342.   Anon.    Soon. 

"  This  man  took  the  cytee  of  Tripollee,  but  he  was  anon  slayn." 

—  Sir  John  Maundeville. 

357.  She  braved  a  riotous  heart.  In  spite  of  the  tumult  in  her 
breast,  at  the  idea  of  asking  him,  she  said,  "  Will  you  wear  my 
favor  at  this  tourney  ?  " 

407.  lived  along  the  milky  roof.  Remained  on  the  roof  of  the 
chapel  hewn  from  the  white  rock. 

422.  Pendragon,  Note  The  Coming  of  Arthur^  14  ;  Guine'vere, 
395. 

423.  mysteriously.    The  mystery  of  Arthur's  birth. 

424-425.  then  were  I  .  .  .  seen.  If  after  seeing  Arthur,  I 
were  to  be  stricken  blind,  I  should  have  seen  the  person  whom  I 
most  desire  to  see.     Cf.  Italian  proverb,  "  See  Naples  and  die." 

429.  Lay  .  .  .  grass.  The  bright  colors  of  the  clothing  of  the 
people  who  surrounded  the  lists  looked  like  a  rainbow. 

430.  clear-faced  King.     See  line  329. 

431.  red  samite.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  284. 

440.  with  all  ease.  "  Without  any  abrupt,  unnatural  transition, 
one  design  gradually  leading  the  eye  to  another."  — Rowe. 


Page  132]  LANCELOT   AND    ELAINE  295 

441.  canopy.  A  covering  overhead,  from  a  Greek  word  meaning 
an  Egyptian  bed  with  mosquito  curtains.  —  Skeat. 

442.  nameless  king.     See  lines  45  and  46. 
453.    held  the  lists.    Stood  on  the  defensive. 

480-482.  Bare  . . .  skies.  "  There  was  a  period  in  my  life  when, 
as  an  artist,  Turner,  for  instance,  takes  rough  sketches  of  land- 
scapes, etc.,  in  order  to  work  them  eventually  into  some  great 
picture,  so  I  was  in  the  habit  of  chronicling,  in  four  or  five  word.s 
or  more,  whatever  might  strike  me  as  picturesque  in  nature.  I 
never  put  these  down,  and  many  and  many  a  line  has  gone  away 
on  the  north  wind,  but  some  remain  ;  e.g.  — 

"  '  With  all 
Its  stormy  crests  that  smoke  against  the  skies.' 

Suggestion  :  '  A  storm  which  came  upon  us  in  the  middle  of  the 
North  Sea.'  "  —  From  a  letter  written  to  Mr.  S.  Dawson  by  Tenny- 
son. See  Life  and  Works  of  Tennyson,  by  his  son,  Macmillan, 
Vol.  II.,  pp.  12,  13. 

498.  then  the  trumpets  blew.  "  And  then  the  king  blew  into 
lodging,  and  the  prize  was  given  by  the  heralds  unto  the  knight 
with  the  white,  i.e.  blank,  shield  that  bare  the  red  sleeve."  — 
Malory. 

548.  To  which  it  made  a  restless  heart.  The  glancing  rays  of 
light  coming  from  the  diamond  made  a  heart  for  the  flower,  con- 
tinually changing  as  the  light  was  reflected  from  it. 

552.    In  the  mid  might.     "  In  the  height  of  his  vigor.'"'  —  Rowk. 

576.  went  down  before  his  spear.  See  Gareth  and  Lynette^ 
1191-1193;  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  148-150. 

583.  Our  true  Arthur.  See  lines  151-153.  Not  Lancelot's 
words,  but  Guinevere's. 

643.  from  a  height.  Gawain's  court  language  was  not  appre- 
ciated by  Elaine. 

675.  God's  death.  "Mediaeval  oath,  often  contracted  into 
'sdeath."'  —  Howe. 


296  2^0  TFS  [Page  139 

707.  our  courtesy.  The  knights  of  the  Round  Table  took  a  vow 
of  courtesy.     Gawain  was  surnamed  the  courteous. 

713.  "Uttermost  obedience  to  the  King"  was  another  vow 
which  Arthur's  knights  had  sworn  to  observe.  Gawain  evidently 
forgot  this  vow. 

715.    twenty  strokes  of  the  blood.     Twenty  heart-beats. 

717.    shook  his  hair.     See  The  Coming  of  Arthur^  320. 

723.    Had  marvel.     AVondered. 

728.  Marr'd  her  friend's  aim.  Spoiled  the  effect  of  the  old 
dame's  sharp  news  by  quietly  receiving  it. 

761.  The  gentler-born,  etc.  "Cf.  the  proverb,  Noblesse  oblige^ 
gentle  birth  binds  (i.e.  to  gentle  deeds)."  —  Rowe.  ' 

807.  battle-writhen  arms.  His  arms  with  muscles  twisted  and 
knotted  by  warfare. 

871-872.   honor    rooted  .  .  .  true.     "An    example    of   Tenny- 
son's grand  style."  —  van  Dyke. 
877.    one  face.     Guinevere's  face. 
883.   rough  sickness.     See  lines  849,  850. 

808.  burthen.  Or  burden,  the  refrain  of  a  song.  The  same 
word  as  bourdon,  the  drone  of  a  bagpipe.  —  Skeat. 

905.  victim's  flowers  before  he  fall.  It  was  customary  in 
ancient  sacrifices  to  decorate  the  victim's  head  with  wreaths. 

953.  to  the  half  of  my  realm.  See  Bible,  Mark  vi.  23.  be- 
yond the  seas.  "Lesser  Brittany,  where  Lancelot's  estate  was."  — 
RowE. 

969.  That  were  against  me.  To  use  discourtesy  will  be  hard 
for  me. 

977.    tact.     Instinct. 

995.  sallow-rifted  glooms.  The  gloom  of  dusk  with  a  fissure  or 
gap  of  pale  light. 

1013.    fiery  dawning.     See  line  1018. 

1015.  the  Phantom,  etc.  In  Ireland  the  Benshea,  or  the  Shriek- 
ing Woman,  gives  warning  of  death.  The  water-sprite  announces 
death  in  Scotland. 


Page  151]  LANCELOT    AND    ELAINE  297 

1050.  for  what  force,  etc.  What  power  or  strength  have  you  to 
go  on  a  voyage. 

1124.  they  deem'd  .  .  .  blood.  They  thought  that  she  im- 
agined she  was  going  to  die,  and  that  she  was  not  suffering  from 
any  disease. 

1158.  Hard-won  and  hardly  won.  Hard  to  get  and  almost  lost. 
See  lines  489-500. 

1160.   The  nine-years-fought-for  diamonds.     See  lines  60-62. 

1170.  oriel.  A  recess  (with  a  window)  in  a  room  ;  from  Latin 
oriolum,  for  aitreolum,  gilded  or  ornamented  with  gold. 

1178.  tawnier,  tawny.  A  yellowish  brown.  Merely  another 
form  for  tanny^  resembling  that  which  is  tanned  by  the  sun.  — 
Skeat.  cygnet.  A  young  swan,  these  are  words,  etc.  Words 
are  of  little  use  in  describing  your  beauty. 

1186-1188.  these  .  .  .  believe.  I  cannot  believe  that  you  believe 
these  rumors,  because  I  trust  that  your  own  noble  traits  of  charac- 
ter would  prevent  you  from  distrusting  me. 

1217.   to  her  pearls.     Elaine's  favor.     See  lines  601-602. 

1228.  the  smitten  surface.  When  the  diamonds  struck  the  sur- 
face of  the  water,  drops  of  water  glistening  in  the  sunlight  splashed 
up  to  meet  them. 

1265.    sometime.     Former. 

"  Our  sometirae  sister,  now  our  Queen."  —  Hamlet,  I.  11,  8. 

1287.  however  it  hold.  However  true  the  saying,  "Yet  to  be 
loved  makes  not  to  love  again,"  may  be  in  youth. 

1297-1298.  I  ,  .  .  herself.  I  might  have  used  my  understand- 
ing to  find  some  means  of  curing  her  of  this  weakness. 

1319.   that  shrine.     Westminster  Abbey. 

1354.   homeless  trouble.     Look  of  loneliness. 

1365.    to  want  an  eye.     To  be  destitute  of  an  eye ;  that  is.  blind. 

1399.  king's  son.  Son  of  Ban,  king  of  Benwicke.  the  dusky 
mere.     The  lake  from  which  he  gets  his  name. 


298  NOTES  [Page  163 


THE   HOLY  GRAIL 

2.    Sir  Percivale.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine^  1256. 

4.  the  silent  life  of  prayer.     The  life  within  a  monastery. 

5.  cowl.     A  hood  attached  to  a  robe  or  cloak. 

15.    smoke.     The  pollen  dust,  blown  by  the  gust  of  wind  from 
the  swaying  branches  of  the  tree,  looked  like  clouds  of  smoke. 
23.    Spake  thro'.     Was  manifested  by  the  bearing  and  speech. 

26.  some  light.     As  containing  less  metal. 

27.  image  of  the  King.  See  Coming  of  Arthur^  270.  This 
means  that,  as  all  coins,  whether  true  or  light,  have  the  same  im- 
pression stamped  upon  them,  so  Arthur's  knights,  some  good  and 
some  bad,  were  stamped  with  the  image  of  the  King. 

38.    We  are  green.     We  are  alive  to  heaven,  to  the  world  dead. 

41.  refectory.  A  hall  or  room  for  refreshment  in  a  monastery 
or  convent.  French  refection^  a  repast ;  Latin  refectionem,  a  re- 
storing, literally,  a  remaking. 

42.  sadness.     See  line  645  for  cause  of  this  sadness. 

46.  the  cup.  The  Grail,  the  dish  in  which,  according  to  medi- 
aeval legend,  Joseph  of  Arimathea  caught  some  of  the  blood  of 
Christ.  According  to  some,  this  was  the  same  cup  used  at  the 
Last  Supper.  The  word  gi'ail  comes  from  Old  French  graal, 
great,  grasal,  a  flat  dish.  It  was  probably  corrupted  from  Low 
Latin  crateUa,  a  diminutive  of  crater,  a  bowl.  — Skeat. 

48.  Aromat.  Arimathea,  a  town  in  Palestine,  probably  the 
modern  Ranileh,  the  home  of  Joseph. 

49.  day  of  darkness.     See  Gospel  of  St.  Matthew,  xxvii.  45,  50. 

50.  Moriah.  The  hill  in  Jerusalem  upon  which  the  temple  was 
built. 

52.  Glastonbury.  Situated  in  the  county  of  Somerset ;  it  is  built 
in  the  form  of  a  cross,  and  occupies  a  peninsula  formed  by  the 
river  Brue.  It  is  called  the  Isle  of  Avalon.  There  is  a  variety  of 
hawthorn  which  puts  forth  leaves  and  flowers  at  Christmas.     This 


FAGE  Wo]  THE    HOLY    GRAIL  299 

was  believed  to  have  originated  at  Glastonbury,  and  to  have 
grown  from  Joseph's  staff. 

(31.  Prince,  Arviragus.  The  king  of  Briton  from  the  time  of  the 
invasion  of  Claudius  to  the  reign  of  Vespasian.  See  Geoffrey  of 
Monmouth's  History  of  Britons,  4,  13-16.  He  was  the  son  of 
Cymbeline. 

(33.  wattles.  A  twig,  flexible  rod.  The  original  sense  is  a 
thing  woven  or  wound  together,  from  a  root  meaning  to  bind. 

64.    of  yore.     Long  ago.     Original  meaning,  "of  years." 

60.  Mute  of  this  miracle.  Silent  concerning  this  miracle  of  the 
Holy  Grail. 

67.   to-day.     In  this  present  age. 

82.  Beat.  Beat  against  the  iron  grating  of  her  cell,  and  pene- 
trated into  it,  as  the  storm  waves  beat  against  the  shore,  and  grad- 
ually penetrate  farther  and  farther  inland. 

83.  he.     Her  confessor. 

84.  all  but  utter  whiteness.     "  Almost  perfect  purity." 

120.  leaping.  Upon  the  white  walls  of  the  cells  were  reflected 
the  movements  of  the  blood  in  the  Holy  Grail. 

128.    heal'd.     See  line  94. 

135.  Galahad.  See  line  144.  Some  of  the  old  romances  say 
that  Galahad  was  the  original  name  of  Lancelot. 

137.  dubb'd.  Conferred  knighthood  upon  him  by  a  stroke  on 
the  shoulder.  The  original  of  dub  is  disputed.  It  may  be  a  mere 
variant  of  dab,  formerly  used  in  the  sense  of  to  strike.  — Ske.at. 

151.  silken  mat-work,  etc.  Her  hair  was  so  long  that  she  could 
stand  on  it. 

161.   till  one  will  crown,  etc.     Cf.  line  482. 

168.  ere  he  past  away.  Merlin  did  not  die  ;  he  was  imprisoned 
under  a  rock  by  enchantment. 

170.  scroll.  The  original  sense  is  a  shred,  i.e.  a  strip  of  parch- 
ment. 

172.  Siege  Perilous.  The  literal  meaning  of  siege  is  seat.  The 
derivation  is  from  Latin  sedere,  to  sit.      "But  in  the  Siege  Pe-")- 


300  NOTES  [Page  169 

ous  there  shall  no  man  sit  therein  but  one,  and  if  there  be  any  so 
hardy  he  shall  be  destroyed."  —  Malory's  Morte  d'' Arthur. 

197.  A  twelvemonth,  etc.  See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  154.  The 
extra  day  \Yas  for  full  measure. 

200.  cousin.  See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  386.  Bors  was  Lance- 
lot's nephew. 

228.  dim  rich  city.  See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  797,  842,  886, 
and  line  342  of  this  Idyll. 

232.  zones.  Belts.  Zone  comes,  through  French  and  Latin, 
from  a  Greek  word,  meaning  girdle. 

250.    battles.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  285-305. 

253.  Where  Arthur  finds.     See  Passing  of  Arthur,  195-201. 

254.  counter.     Opposite. 

263.  golden  dragon,     '^^e  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  l^^. 

264.  the  hold.    See  line  207. 

275.    Darken.     This  word  relates  to  it  inline  273. 

287.  What  go  ye,  etc.  See  Bible,  Matthew  xi.  7.  These  words 
were  used  by  Christ  in  referring  to  John  the  Baptist. 

300.  Taliessin.  Famous  Welsh  poet  who  lived  about  500  a.d. 
our  fullest  throat.     Our  best  singer. 

307.    to  range  me  close.     To  place  me  in  order. 

319.  wandering  fires.  "  The  ignis  fatuus  which  plays  over 
swamps  sometimes  leads  travellers  into  the  swamps." — Macaulay. 

320.  quagmire.  Boggy,  yielding  ground.  Formerly  quake- 
mire. 

350.  The  corners  of  the  houses  were  ornamented  with  wyvern, 
etc. ,  and  the  boys  astride  of  their  stone  animals  called  the  knights 
by  name,  wyvern.  In  heraldry  a  wyvern  is  a  kind  of  flying 
serpent  or  two-legged  dragon.  grifiBLn.  In  heraldry  a  griffin  is  an 
animal  with  the  body  and  feet  of  a  lion  and  the  head  and  beak  of 
an  eagle. 

380.  lawns.     Properly  open  spaces  in  woods,  glades. 

381.  crisping.     Curling  ;  crisp  comes  from  Latin  crispus,  curled, 
422.  incredible  pinnacles.     Spires  of  incredible  height. 


Page  176]  THE    HOLY    GRAIL  301 

453.  wisdom  of  the  east.     See  Matthew  ii.1-12. 

462.  sacring  of  the  mass.  Consecrating  of  the  mass.  The 
Middle  English  verb  sacren  is  now  obsolete.  Sacring  bell  is 
found  in  Shakspere's  Henry  VIIL  III.  ii.  295.  The  consecrating 
of  the  mass  is  the  ceremony  by  which  the  bread  and  wine  are 
changed  into  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ. 

478.  Pagan.  A  countryman,  hence  a  heathen  ;  from  Latin 
paganus,  a  villager.  The  countrymen  were  not  converted  to 
Christianity  as  soon  as  the  townsmen. 

508.  blazed  with  thunder.  Blaze  means  to  proclaim.  Chaucer 
used  blazen  to  express  the  loud  sounding  of  the  trumpet.  The 
word  blaze  means  a  flame  also.  In  both  its  meanings  it  comes 
from  the  same  root  as  blow.  — Skeat. 

544.  Not  all  unlike.  The  miracles  and  wonders  in  the  ancieni 
books  are  not  very  unlike  what  you  have  related  to  me. 

645.  but  on.  Except  in.  breviary.  A  prayer-book  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  Church.  It  is  derived  from  Latin  brevariinn,  a 
short  summary  (brevis.  short),  hence  a  manual  of  prayers. 

547.    thorpe.     Village. 

559.  small  man.  I,  small  man  that  I  am,  rejoice  in  this  small 
world  of  mine.  Small  man,  because  of  the  small  things  which 
delight  him.     See  The  Marriage  of  Geraint,  116. 

569.  eft.  "A  loose  popular  term  for  lizards  or  newts,  which 
are  animals  of  the  frog  kind."  —  Macaulay. 

600.    heads.     The  chiefs  of  her  people  came  to  Percival. 

606.  0  me,  my  brother  !  Oh,  my  brother  !  how  hard  it  was  for 
me  to  withstand  their  supplications. 

639.  maddening  what  he  rode.  Exciting  his  horse  so  that  the 
animal  was  almost  uncontrollable. 

646.  his  former  madness.  In  Morte  (V Arthur  it  is  related  that 
Lancelot  was  healed  by  Sangrail,  at  the  court  of  King  Pelles. 

648.    For  Lancelot's  kith  and  kin.     Compare  with  lines  464-408 
in  Lancelot  and  Elaine,     kith  and  kin.     Kindred  and  race. 
652.   The  Holy  Cup  of  healing.     The  Holy  Grail.     See  line  646. 


302  NOTES  [Page  183 

661.  Paynim.  Pagan,  amid  temples  of  stones  arranged  in 
circles. 

662.  They  pitch  up  straight  to  heaven.  Pitch  was  formerly 
used  of  forcibly  plunging  a  sharp  peg  into  the  ground  ;  hence  the 
phrase  to  pitch  a  camp.  The  stones  were  placed  firmly  in  the 
ground  in  an  erect  position. 

663.  old  magic.  Caesar  says  of  the  Druids,  "Moreover  they 
hold  much  discourse  about  the  stars  and  their  motions." 

667.    he.     The  sun. 

670.   chafed      See  Geraint  and  Enid,  27. 

679.  Glimmer'd  the  streaming  scud.  Scud,  that  which  moves 
quickly  before  the  wind ;  here  it  probably  means  a  cloud.  In 
English  a  scud  is  a  slight,  rapid,  or  flying  shower  of  rain. 

714.  On  heaps  of  ruin.  The  ruin  occasioned  by  the  storm 
referred  to  in  line  726.  unicorns.  Fabulous  animals  with  one 
horn,  basilisks.  Lizards  of  fabulous  origin,  cockatrices.  Fabu- 
lous winged  serpents,     talbots.     Large  dogs  of  a  peculiar  breed. 

722.  bade  me  hail.  Greeted  me.  Hail.  Comes  from  Icelandic 
heille,  hale,  whole.  Similar  is  the  use  of  Anglo-Saxon  loaes-hal, 
literally,  be  whole,  may  you  be  in  good  health. 

727.    devices.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  297. 

735.   quiet  life.     Life  within  the  cloister.     See  line  4. 

773.  each  as  each.  The  sin  and  the  nobleness  in  him  were  so 
entwined  that  they  were  indistinguishable  ;  that  is,  the  one  was 
just  like  the  other. 

785.    whipt  me.     Made  to  move  quickly,  as  if  whipt  with  a  lash.. 

799.   blackening.     Looking  black  in  the  white  sea-foam. 

810.  Carbonek.  "This  castle  was  the  one  which,  according  to 
the  legends,  was  built  as  the  resting-place  for  the  Holy  Grail  in  the 
time  of  Alain,  grandson  of  Joseph  of  Arimathea."  —  Macaulay. 

835.    crannies.     Cracks  ;  from  the  French  cran,  a  notch. 

840.  seven-times-heated  furnace.  Similar  to  the  one  that  Sha- 
drach,  Meshach,  and  Abed-nego  were  cast  into.  —  Bible,  Daniel 
ill.  19. 


Page  189]  THE    HOLY    GRAIL  303 

852.  I  need  not,  etc.  I  need  not  tell  you  that  these  words  of 
Gawain  are  foolish. 

876.  but  thou  errest,  Lancelot.  Thou  errest  in  regard  to  Lance- 
lot, These  lines  show  that  Tennyson  believed  that  even  the  most 
depraved  person  possesses  some  good  qualities. 

892.  My  greatest.     Lancelot. 

893.  Another.    Percivale. 
896.    one.     Galahad. 


THE   LAST   TOURNAMENT 

1.  Gawain.  ^qq  The  Coming  of  Arthur,  2,1^-Z20.  in  his  mood. 
When  he  was  merry. 

6.  carcanet.  A  collar  for  jewels  ;  from  Old  French  carcan.  a 
collar,  especially  of  jewels. 

25.  Nestling.  King  Alfred,  while  hunting  one  day,  heard  a  cry 
coming  from  the  top  of  a  tree.  One  of  his  men  upon  his  command 
climbed  the  tree  and  discovered  an  infant  in  an  eagle's  nest.  The 
babe  was  wrapped  in  a  purple  cloak,  and  upon  each  arm  was  a 
bracelet  of  gold,  a  clear  sign  that  he  was  of  noble  parents.  Alfred 
caused  him  to  be  baptized  JVestingum,  because  he  was  found  in 
a  nest.  Tennyson  seems  to  have  based  his  story  of  the  ruby 
necklace  on  this  incident. 

38.    Lancelot  won.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  499-502. 

45.   Past  in  her  barge.     See  Lancelot  a)id  Elaine,  1232-1235. 

47.    brother-slayer.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  39-40. 

51.    a  great  jousts.     This  use  of  jo ?<s?s  in  the  singular  is  peculiar. 

56.    hither  side.     The  near  side,  the  early  part  of  the  morning. 

89.  Kay  the  seneschal.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  359. 

90.  curiously.     Carefully,  from  Old  French  curios,  careful. 

94.  renegades.  Apostates.  The  word  renegade  was  at  first 
renegado,  from  Spanish  renegade,  an  apostate,  literally,  one  who 
has  denied  the  faith. 


304  NOTES  [Page  195 

98.     head.     Cf .  — 

"  Before  I  drew  this  gallant  head  of  war, 
And  cuU'd  these  fiery  spirits  from  the  world." 

—  King  John,  V.  2.,  113-4. 

116,   A  sound  is  in  his  ears.     See  Bible,  Job  xv.  21. 

124-125.  From  flat  confusion,  etc.  See  The  Coming  of  Arthur , 
5-12,  20-40. 

156-158.  Sighing  weariedly,  as  one,  etc.  These  lines  suggest 
Moore's  Oft  in  the  Stilly  Xight :  — 

"  I  feel  like  one 

Who  treads  alone 
Some  banquet  hall  deserted, 

Whose  lights  are  fled, 

Whose  garlands  dead, 
And  all  but  be  departed." 

177.  Isolt  the  White.  Isolt  of  the  White  Hands,  the  daughter 
of  King  Hoel  of  Brittany,  whom  Tristram  married. 

206.  Caracole.  A  half  turn  by  a  horseman.  From  Spanish 
caracol,  a  wheeling  about. 

233.  live  grass.     Bright  green. 

234.  Rose-campion.  The  Sweet  William  of  the  United  States. 
kingcup.  Buttercup.  poppy.  Plant  bearing  a  red  flower, 
glanced.     Darted. 

250.  roundelay.  A  song.  Derived  from  roundel,  so  called 
because  a  line  or  refrain  continually  recurs. 

283.    stock-still.     As  still  as  though  confined  in  the  stock. 

291.  damosel.  Middle  English  form  of  damsel,  a  girl.  Old 
French  dameisele,  from  late  Latin  domicella  (dominiceUa),  dimin- 
utive from  domina  =  lady. 

295.   slips.     The  damosels  mentioned  above  are  here  meant. 

305.  smuttier.  The  smut  is  a  fungous  growth,  appearing  on 
weak  or  unhealthy  grain. 


Page  202]  THE    LAST    TOURNAMENT  305 

322.  Paynim  harper.  Orpheus.  Paynim  =  Pagan.  This  Eng- 
lish iise  of  the  word  is  due  to  a  singular  mistake  :  a  paynim  is  not 
a  man,  hut  a  country,  thrumm'd.  Played  noisy  music  on  an  in- 
strument. Thrum  comes  from  an  Icelandic  word,  meaning  to 
rattle,  to  thunder. 

330.    thine.     This  wife. 

333.    the  Harp  of  Arthur.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  1281. 

343.  The  black  king's  highway.  The  broad  road  leading  to 
destruction. 

357.  burning  spurge.  Spurge  is  a  plant  the  juice  of  which  is  so 
hot  and  corroding  that  it  is  called  Devil's  Milk,  which  being 
dropped  upon  warts  eats  them  away. 

363.  Queen  Isolt.  La  Beale  Isoud  of  Ireland.  Before  Tristram 
married  IsoU  of  Brittany  he  had  gone  to  Ireland  to  be  cured  of  a 
dangerous  wound  inflicted  by  an  Irish  spear.  Upon  his  return 
from  Ireland  he  gave  such  a  glowing  description  of  Isolt,  who  had 
treated  his  wound  successfully,  that  his  Uncle  Mark  sent  him  to 
Isolt  to  ask  for  her  hand  in  marriage.  On  the  voyage  from  Ire- 
land they  innocently  drink  of  a  love  potion,  and  fall  in  love  with 
each  other.  Long  after  the  effects  of  the  philter  have  past  away 
Tristram  marries  Isolt  of  Brittany.  Lancelot  reproaches  him  for 
his  inconstancy  to  La  Beale  Isoud,  his  love  returns,  and  he  re- 
solves to  go  to  Cornwall  to  see  her. 

371.  slot.  The  track  of  a  deer.  Also  spelt  sleuth,  from  an  Ice- 
landic word,  meaning  a  track.  fewmets.  Droppings.  These 
two  words  are  old  terms  of  venery  or  woodcraft.  — Litterdale. 

376.  Furze-cramm'd.  The  spaces  between  the  intertwisted  beech 
boughs  were  packed  with  a  thorny  evergreen  shrub,  bracken-rooft. 
The  roof  was  made  of  ferns. 

392.  tonguesters.  Talkers.  This  word  is  used  by  Tennyson  in 
Locksley  HaJh  and  it  may  have  been  coined  by  him. 

399.  Served  him  well.  When  Tristram  was  wounded  by  a  poi- 
soned arrow  Isolt  of  the  White  Hands  cured  him. 

421.    sallowy  isle.    Isle  covered  with  a  shrub  of  the  willow  kind. 


306  NOTES  [Page  205 

423.  machicolated.  "  Furnished  with  a  projecting  gallery,  with 
openings  in  the  floor  for  pouring  down  melted  lead,  etc. ,  upon  an 
enemy."  —  Rolff.  .. 

432,    noir.     In  a  black  field. 

450.  Sware  by  the  scorpion  worm.  "A  legendary  creature, 
suggested  by  the  old  notion  that  the  scorpion,  if  surrounded  by 
fire,  will  sting  itself  to  death.  The  use  of  worm  is  suggested  by 
the  obsolete  sense  of  snake,  dragon,  etc."  — Rolff. 

479.   Alioth  and  Alcor.     Stars  in  the  Great  Bear. 

481.   As  the  water  Moab  saw.     See  2  Kings  iii.  22. 

501.  roky.  Misty.  "  Roky  or  misty  —  Nehulosiis''''  Prompto- 
rimn  Parvulorum,  iii.  436.     Roky  wood,  Macbeth,  iii,  351. 

502,  felt  the  goodly  hounds.  The  belling  of  the  hounds  made 
Arthur  long  to  follow  the  chase. 

509.    spiring  stone.     The  spiral  stone  steps. 

549.    Queen  Paramount.     Guinevere. 

594.  by  whom  all  men  Are  noble.  Compared  with  whom  all 
men  are  noble. 

603.    she  will  yield  herself  to  God.     Enter  a  convent. 

611.    levin-brand.     Bolt  of  lightning. 

620,    leman's  arms.     Sweetheart's  arms, 

627.  the  swineherd's  malkin  in  the  mast.  Mawkin,  malkin. 
A  kitchen  ^Yench  or  other  female  menial.  Mast.  The  original 
sense  is  edible  fruit,  with  reference  to  the  feeding  of  swine.  Mast 
also  means  stall  feeding ;  whence  masten,  to  fatten.  See  The 
Princess :  — 

"If  this  be  he,  —  or  a  draggled  mawkin  thou, 
That  tends  her  bristled  grunters  in  the  sludge." 

684.    Which  flesh  and  blood.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  266-268. 

692.  ptarmigan.  A  kind  of  grouse.  "The  color  of  this  bird 
varies,  being  brownish-gray  in  summer  and  white  in  winter.  If 
the  ptarmigan's  feathers  were  to  turn  white  before  the  winter 


Page  213]  GUINEVERE  307 

snow  began  the  bird  would  be  seen  by  the  eagle-owl  and  killed." 

LiTTERDALE. 

695.  yaffingale.  The  green  woodpecker,  so  called  from  its  loud, 
laughing  notes. 

712.  Press  this  a  little  closer.  I.e..,  death  would  follow  a  little 
closer  pressure. 

748.  Mark's  way.  Mark  repeats  Isolt's  word.  See  line  530. 
"That  traitor  king  Mark  slew  the  noble  knight  Sir  Tristram,  as  he 
sat  harping  before  his  lady  La  Beale  Isoud,  with  a  trenchant  glaive, 
for  whose  death  was  much  bewailing  of  every  knight  that  ever  was 
in  Arthur's  days  .  .  .  and  La  Beale  Isoud  died  swooning  upon  the 
cross  of  Sir  Tristram  whereof  was  great  pity."  —  Malory's  Morte 
(TArthur. 

GUINEVERE 

2.  Almesbury.  Amesbury,  in  Wiltshire,  about  seven  miles  from 
Salisbury.  The  Benedictine  nuns  had  a  house  there,  and  at  one 
time  many  ladies  of  high  rank  retired  within  its  walls.  A  monas- 
tery named  after  King  Ambrosius  (Ambrosebury)  was  supposed  to 
have  occupied  this  same  site  in  the  early  British  times. 

4.  novice.  A  new  nun  who  was  on  probation  and  who  had  not 
yet  taken  the  final  vows. 

7.    face-cloth.     The  covering  placed  over  the  face  of  a  corpse. 

10.  Sir  Modred.  See  T/je  Coming  of  Arthur,  Zlb-?,2-^ -,  Gareth 
and  Lynette,  25-32.  Subtle.  Sly,  artful.  The  original  sense  is 
finely  woven. 

15.  tampered.  Tamper,  to  meddle,  practise  upon.  This  is  the 
same  word  as  temper,  but  used  in  a  bad  sense.  To  temper  is  to 
moderate,  but  to  tamper  means  to  influence  in  a  bad  way. 

16.  brood.  Descendants  of  Hengist,  one  of  the  Saxon  rulers 
who  invaded  Britain. 

19.  Serving  his  traitorous  end.  Modred  thought  that  he  might 
succeed  in  dethroning  Arthur  if  he  could,  by  an  alliance  with  the 


308  NOTES  [Page  216 

Saxons,  break  his  empire  asunder  and  then  get  the  help  of  some  of 
the  feudal  chiefs  who  bore  a  grudge  against  Arthur. 

22.  mock'd  the  may.  The  plumes  of  the  courtiers  were  white 
as  the  blossoms  of  the  hawthorn. 

23.  their  wont.  Their  custom  ;  wont,  originally  the  past  parti- 
ciple of  won^  to  be  used  to.  When  the  fact  that  it  was  a  past 
participle  was  forgotten  it  came  to  be  used  as  a  substantive  and 
then  loonted  was  evolved. 

26.  scandal.  Disgrace.  The  original  sense  seems  to  have  been 
a  snare,  a  stumbling-block,  also  the  spring  of  the  trap,  the  stick  in 
a  trap  on  which  the  bait  was  placed,  which  sprang  up  and  shut  the 
trap.     Probably  from  skancl,  to  spring  up.  —  Skeat. 

28.  lissome  Vivien.     Lithesome,  meaning  flexible,  pliant. 

29.  wiliest.  Most  artful ;  derived  from  wile,  meaning  a  trick, 
Anglo-Saxon  icll,  of  which  guile  is  a  doublet. 

32.  colewort.  Cole,  also  spelled  kail,  cabbage.  From  Latin 
caulis,  a  stalk,  a  cabbage,  and  English  icort,  a  plant. 

37.    king's  blood.      Modred  was  son  of  Lot,  king  of  Orkney. 

41.    halt,  or  hunch' d.     Lame  or  hunch-backed. 

45.   holp.     The  strong  form  of  the  past  tense  of  help. 

47.   smote  his  knees.     To  remove  the  dust. 

49.  Rankled.  Festered.  Rankle  means,  literally,  to  grow  rank, 
from  rank  in  its  later  sense  of  rancid  and  the  suffix  le.  Hence  the 
sense  is  to  keep  on  being  rank,  to  fester  continually.  —  Skeat. 

62.    narrow  foxy  face.     See  Last  Tournament,  164-166. 

64.   Powers  that  tend.     God  and  his  angels. 

73.    rust  of  murder.     Blood  stains. 

86.  bane.  Harm,  destruction  ;  from  Anglo-Saxon  hana,  a 
murderer. 

87.  own  land.  Benwick,  where  Lancelot's  father.  Ban,  had 
been  king. 

90.  scandal.     See  The  Marriage  of  Geraint,  24-32. 
120.    draw  me.     Withdraw  myself,     into  sanctuary.     Into   a 
convent. 


Page  220]  GUINEVERE  309 

132.  the  raven,     the  symbol  of  the  Vikings. 

134.  the  heathen.     Angles  and  Saxons. 

135.  Lured.  Derived  from  lure,  a  bait,  a  term  of  the  chase  and 
therefore  of  French  origin. 

147.  housel.     The  eucharist  or  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

148.  little  maid.     See  line  3. 
151.  This  night.     See  lines  1-8. 
153.  him.     Himself,  Sir  Modred. 

166.  Late,  late,  so  late,  etc.  See  the  Parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins, 
Matthew  xxv.  1-13. 

180.    Her  thought,  etc.     See  line  130. 

193.  And  Modred.  Tennyson's  characters  very  often  begin  a 
sentence  and  under  the  pressure  of  strong  excitement  leave  it 
unfinished  and  begin  another. 

216-217.  this  is  all  woman's  grief.  The  greatest  grief  to  all 
women  is  that  she  who  caused  this  evil  is  a  woman. 

234.  Lyonnesse.  Is  supposed  to  be  a  country  southwest  of  Brit- 
ain, a  continuation  of  Cornwall.  The  father  of'  Tristram  was 
king  of  it. 

243.  mermaiden.  A  fabled  marine  animal ;  from  Anglo-Saxon 
were,  a  lake,  and  maegden,  a  maid. 

244.  Man-breasted.  Partly  in  human  form  and  partly  in  the  form 
of  a  beast. 

266.  spigot.  A  pointed  piece  of  wood  for  stopping  a  hole  in  a 
barrel.  AVhen  this  is  removed,  the  wine  comes  out  freelj'.  butts. 
Large  barrels. 

283.    that  night.     See  line  261. 

286.    Gorlois.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  184-236. 

289.  Bude  and  Bos.  The  coast  of  Cornwall  from  Bude,  a  small 
harbor  near  the  northern  limit,  to  Bos  or  Boscastle,  near  Tintagil 
Head. 

292.    Tintagil.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  366. 

294.  miracle.  Arthur  succeeded  in  drawing  a  sword  from  a 
stone.     A  great  many  knights  had  failed  to  do  this,  so  Arthur 


310  NOTES  [Page  225 

proved  by  this  feat  that  he  was  the  rightful  lieir  to  the  throne,  — 
Morte  cV Arthur. 

299.    The  twain.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  89-93. 

319.    come  next.     Counting  back  five  years  from  next  summer. 

323.   which  had  noblest.     Which  had  the  noblest  manners. 

329.  Forbore  his  own  advantage.  Restrained  himself  from  tak- 
ing any  undue  advantage  of  his  opponent.  See  Lancelot  and  Elaine, 
1345-1353. 

335.  such  fair  fruit.  If  manners  are  the  outgrowth  of  such 
qualities  as  you  describe,  etc.     See  lines  333-334. 

340.    closed.     See  line  225. 

345.   the  doom  of  fire.     Purgatory. 

378.   when  Lancelot  came.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  446-451. 

395.    Dragon.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  14. 

402.  thought  him  cold.  See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  121-123,  131- 
135. 

419,    one.     Leodogran.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  1. 

424.    The  craft  of  kindred.     The  treachery  of  Modred. 

429.    In  twelve  great  battles.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  284-303. 

439.  troth.  Truth,  fealty.  True  service,  fidelity,  from  Latin 
fidelitas. 

450.    purpose.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  92-93. 

458.  knighthood-errant.  The  body  of  wandering  knights  who 
roved  about  in  search  of  adventures. 

464.  lay  their  hands  in  mine,  Formal  manner  of  pledging 
allegiance. 

482.  helpmate.  A  helper.  A  coinage  due  to  a  mistaken  notion 
of  the  phrase,  an  help  meet.  Genesis  ii.  18,  20.  See  Coming  of 
Arthur,  89-93. 

487.  ensample.  An  example,  fair  names.  Names  of  those 
reputed  virtuous. 

488.  loathsome  opposite.      The  opposite  which  disgusted  me, 

489.  did  obtain.  Did  prevail  j  from  Latin  oMinere^  to  hold, 
obtain. 


Page  231]  THE    PASSING    OF    ARTHUR  311 

499.  nor  seem  to  glance  at  thee.  Without  seeming  to  refer  to 
you. 

500.  bowers.  Chambers.  Anglo-Saxon  hur,  a  chamber.  Came- 
lot.  See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  184-193,  296-^302  ;  and  II(jly  Grail, 
225-257,  339-360.     Usk.     See  Marriage  of  Geraint,  146. 

503.    vacant  ornament.     Ornament  abandoned  by  thee. 

507.    of  so  slight  elements.     Of  such  a  fickle  nature. 

535.  The  doom  of  treason.  "  Adultery  in  a  queen  was  regarded 
as  treason  by  English  law  in  later  times."  —  Macaulay. 

537.    with  one.     With  a  heart,  meaning  his  own  heart. 

559.   our  fair  father  Christ.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  509. 

570.  My  sister's  son.  Modred,  son  of  Bellicent,  Arthur's  sister. 
See  Coming  of  Arthur,  316-324. 

611.  His  mercy  choked  me.  The  feeling  that  was  aroused  in 
Guinevere  by  Arthur's  forgiveness  deprived  her  of  speech. 

613.    another.     Lancelot. 

649.  it  were.  It  would  be  too  daring  for  me  to  tell  him  that  I 
iove  him. 

657.    vail.     Lower  ;  from  French  avaler,  to  let,  put,  lay. 

677.    dole.     A  small  portion  of  anything,  deal. 

679.    haler.     More  sound,  more  healthy. 


THE   PASSING   OF   AETHUR 

1.    Sir  Bedivere.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  173. 

6.   westward.    See  Guinevere,  137. 

9-11.  '•  I  .  .  .  not."  In  the  shining  of  the  stars  and  the  flow- 
ering of  the  fields.  Arthur  recognized  God,  but  God's  dealings 
with  men  were  a  mystery  to  Arthur. 

22.    His  will.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  499,  and  Guinevere,  467. 

35.   an  isle  of  rest.     See  line  427. 

42.   moonlit  haze.     See  Guinevere,  597. 

60.   This.    The  moanings  of  Arthur,    See  lines  9-49. 


312  NOTES  [Page  240 

62.  spitting  at  their  vows  and  thee.  Showing  their  disgust  of 
their  own  vows  and  thee.    vows.     See  Guinevere,  464-474. 

68.  petty  kings.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  110-115. 

69.  the  heathen  from  the  Roman  wall.  See  Coming  of  Arthur, 
511. 

76.  blind  haze.     See  lines  98-100. 

77.  One  .  .  .  Almesbury.     See  Guinevere,  bll. 

109.    clash  of  brands.     See  Coming  of  Arthur,  481-501. 

117.    voices  of  the  dead.     The  last  shrieks  of  mortal  agony. 

155.    of  my  house.     See  Guinevere,  569, 

160.  purport.  Purpose,  intention.  The  literal  meaning  is  pre- 
text, declaration  ;  from  Old  French  pur,  French  pour,  from  Latin 
pro,  according  to,  and  French  gorier,  to  carry,  bear,  from  Latin 
portare,  to  carry. 

165.    liege.     Liege  lord,  meaning  a  free  lord. 

182.  unsolders.  Disunites ;  solder  comes  from  Latin  solidare, 
to  make  firm. 

214.   the  place  of  tombs.     See  Lancelot  and  Elaine,  41-44. 

231.  flags.  Reeds,  water  plants.  They  received  their  name 
from  their  waving  in  the  wind. 

248.    lief.     Loved,     dear.     Precious. 

278.  clouded  with  his  own  conceit.  Confused  with  his  own  con- 
ception, idea,  notion. 

293.  offices.  Office  means  duty,  act  of  worship  ;  from  Latin 
officium,  duty,  service,  literally,  the  doing  of  a  service. 

305.  Made  lightnings,  etc.  See  Coming  of  Arthur,  299  ;  Gareth 
and  Lynette,  65-67  ;  and  line  224  of  this  Idyll. 

307.   the  northern  moon.    The  Aurora  Borealis. 

315.    the  other.     Bedivere. 

325.   wheeling.     Whirling. 

337.    blue  eyes.     See  line  384,  and  Coming  of  Arthur,  329. 

345.  nightmare.  A  dream  at  night  accompanied  by  pressure  on 
the  breast.  The  meaning  of  mare  is  a  crusher,  from  mar,  to 
pound,  crush,  bruise. 


Page  249]  THE    PASSING    OF   ARTHUR  313 

350.  Clothed  with  his  breath.  Surrounded  by  the  breath  which 
condensed  as  it  came  from  his  lungs. 

383.  greaves.  Armor  for  the  legs  ;  from  Old  French  greves, 
boots,  cuisses.  Plural,  armor  for  the  thighs,  dash'd  with  drops 
Of  onset.     Splashed  with  the  stains  of  the  battle. 

384.  light  and  lustrous  curls.  See  Coming  of  Arthur,  329. 
398.  noble  chance.  A  chance  to  engage  in  deeds  of  valor. 
401.    The  holy  Elders,  etc.     Three  wise  men. 

403.  image  of  the  mighty  world.  The  Round  Table  is  said  to 
have  been  made  by  ^Merlin  as  an  emblem  of  the  round  world. 

425.    With  these.     Three  queens,  line  366. 

427.    Avilion.     See  Gareth  and  Lynette,  492. 

430.    orchard  lawns.     Lawns  covered  with  fruit  trees. 

435.  fluting  a  wild  carol.  "The  musical  notes  of  swans  hath 
been  commended,  and  they  sing  most  sweetly  before  their  death." 
—  Sir  Thomas  Browne. 


INDEX 


Alain,  302. 
Alcor,  306. 
Alfred,  290. 
Alioth,  30(i. 
Almesbury,  307,  312. 
Ambrosius,  307. 
annulet,  286. 
Anton,  255. 
Aromat,  298. 
array 'd,  277. 
Arthur's  Harp,  276,  30; 
Arviragus,  299. 
Ashdown,  290. 
Astolat.  2%. 
Aurelius,  253. 
avanturine,  274. 
Avilion,  270,  298,  313 

Badbury  Hill,  293. 
Badon  Hill,  293. 
Bala  lake,  290. 
Ban,  297. 
bane,  308. 
baron's  war,  264. 
barren-beaten,  293. 
basilisks,  302. 
battle-writben,  296. 
Beaumains,  270. 
Bedivere,  257,  311,  312. 
Belliceut,  257. 
Bensbea,  296. 
Ben  wick,  308. 


bicker,  287. 
blazed,  301. 
blazoned,  269. 
Bleys,  257. 
Book  of  Hours,  263. 
Bors,  300. 
Bos,  309. 
bowers,  311. 
braided,  291. 
branch'd,  282. 
brand,  259,  264. 
Brastias,  257. 
brawny,  288. 
break,  285. 
Breckenho,  253. 
breviarj',  301. 
brewis,  270. 
bridal,  279. 
broach,  270. 
Bude,  309. 
burns,  264. 
burthen,  296. 

Caer-Eryri,  270. 

Caerleou  upon  Usk,  279,  285,  291. 
Caerlyle,  291. 
Cameliard,  253. 
Camelot,  266,  281,  291,311. 
caracole,  304. 
Carbonek,  302. 
carcauet,  303. 
Cam  Cavall,  279. 
315 


316 


INDEX 


carrion,  273. 
Cassibelauuus,  253,  283. 
cate,  274. 

Chair  of  Idris,  282. 
chamberlain,  257. 
changeling,  266. 
charlock,  268. 
churl,  2G9. 
clarions,  255. 
close,  277. 
cockatrices,  302. 
comb,  276. 
compass,  278. 
cole  wort,  308. 
corselet,  285. 
costrel,  280. 
crannies,  302. 
cressy  islets,  288. 
crisping,  300. 
cuirass,  293. 
cuisses,  313. 
curiously,  303. 

dais,  258. 
damosel,  304. 
daws,  286. 
dead  world,  255. 
delegated  hands,  290. 
discaged,  263. 
di sedge,  285. 
doff'd,  289. 
dole,  311. 
dragon,  300,  310. 
dragon  boughts,  267. 
dubb'd,299. 
Dubric,  261,  284. 

each  by  either,  278. 
earths,'  279. 
eft,  301. 


errant  knights,  282. 
Excalibur,  259. 

face-cloth,  307. 
feumets,  305. 
fineness,  277. 
Flur,  283. 

forest  of  Dean,  279. 
foul-fleshed,  272. 
furze-cramm'd,  305. 

Galahad,  299,  303. 
Gareth,  262. 
garnet,  283. 
gaudy-day,  283. 
Gawain,  259,  303. 
Glastonbury,  298. 
God's  death,  295. 
good  lack,  264:. 
good  sooth,  276. 
Gorlois.  255,  309. 
Grail,  298. 
greaves,  313. 
griffin,  300. 
grovelling,  274. 
guerdon,  286. 
Guinevere,  306. 
Gwydion,  283. 
gyve,  268. 

hail,  302. 
harried,  253. 
heathen  host,  253,  312. 
helpmate,  310. 
Hengist,  307. 
Hesperus,  276. 
Holy  Cup,  302. 
Holy  Grail,  302. 
housel,  309. 
hubbub,  280. 


INDEX 


317 


Igrayne,  257. 

Isoud  of  Ireland,  305. 

Isolt  the  White,  304,  305. 

Joseph  of  Arimathea,  298,  302. 
jousts,  264,  281,  303. 

Kay  the  seneschal,  303. 
keep,  287. 
King  Arthur,  253. 
King  Ban.  253,  308. 
King  Bors,  253. 
King  Lot,  2(32,  308. 
King  Ryence.,  253, 
kingcup,  304. 
kith  and  kin,  301. 
knaves,  265. 

La  Beale  Isoud,  30"   307. 
lady's  Head,  293. 
Lancelot.  261,  303,  310,  "Til. 
lander.  280. 
leash,  263. 
Leir,  253. 
lent-lily,  274. 
Leodogran,  253,  310. 
let,  292. 

levin-brand,  306. 
liege-lord,  256. 
like  to  like,  293. 
Limors,  286. 
Loerine,  253. 
long-lanced  battle,  256. 
loon,  273. 
Lyonnesse,  291,  309. 

machicolated,  306. 
mage,  258. 
malkin,  306. 
manchet,  280. 
Mark's  way,  307. 


mast,  306. 

mavis,  275. 

Meridies,  276. 

merle,  275. 

Merlin,  257. 

mermiden,  309. 

milky  roof,  294. 

minster,  259. 

mixen.  28.3. 

Moab,  306. 

Modred,  259,  307,  309,  310,  311 

Moriah,  298. 

Mors,  276. 

musing,  280. 

nameless  king,  295. 
nape.  291. 
nestling,  303. 
nightmare,  312. 
noir,  306. 

northern  noon,  ol2. 
Nox,  276. 

oriel,  297. 
Orpheus,  305. 
ousted,  281. 

pagan,  301. 
palfrey.  279. 
pall'd,  287. 
palling,  277. 
paynim.  305. 
Pendragon.  254,  294. 
Percivale.  298,  303. 
Phosphorus,  276. 
pips,  280. 
pitch,  302. 
plover,  284. 
postern-gate,  258. 
pricked.  266. 


318 


INDEX 


ptarmigan,  306. 
purblind,  284. 

quagmire,  300. 

Queen  Paramount,  306. 

quitch,  290. 


Ramleh,  298. 
rapt,  293. 
rathe,  294. 
reave,  269. 
refectory,  298. 
renegades,  303. 
rick,  261. 

riddling  triplets,  260. 
Roman  wall,  262. 
rood, 280. 
rose-campion,  304. 
rosemary,  275. 
roundelay,  271,  "XM. 

sacred  fish,  266. 

sacred  mount,  267. 

sacring,  301. 

sallow-rifted  glooms,  296. 

sallowy  isle,  305. 

samite,  258,  2M. 

scaur,  291. 

scour'd,  288. 

scroll,  299. 

scud,  302. 

seized.  268. 

seneschal,  268.    ' 

settle,  288. 

seven-times-heated  furnace,  302. 

shield-lions,  276. 

shingle,  273. 

shingly,  291. 

shoal,  288. 

shore,  289. 


Shrieking  Woman,  296. 
Siege  Perilous,  299. 
sleuth,  305. 
sleuth-hound,  270. 
slot,  305. 

slowly-fading  mistress,  262. 
smoke,  298. 
soilure,  291. 
southwestern,  275. 
sparrow-hawk,  280. 
spate,  263. 
spiring  stone,  306. 
sprigs  of  summer,  279. 
spurge, 305. 
stoat,  274. 
Stonehenge,  253. 
supporters,  286. 

Table  Round,  254. 
taint,  278. 
talbots.  i'32. 
tale,  292. 
Taliessin,  300. 
tamper,  292,  307. 
tawnier,  297. 
thorpe, 301. 
thrav.i,  265. 
thrumm'd,  305. 
tinct,  291. 
Tintagil,  309. 
tonguesters,  305. 
tourney-falls,  264. 
treble-bow,  275. 
trefoil,  276. 
trenchant,  272. 
trencher,  281. 
turkis,  283. 

Ulfius,  257. 
unicorns,  302. 
Urien,  254. 


INDEX 


319 


Urim,  259. 
Usk,  311. 
Uther,  254. 

vail,  311. 

verraeil-white,  280. 
vermin  voices,  292. 
vert,  258. 
vexillary,  276. 
villain,  265. 
Vivien,  308. 

waes-hdl,  302. 
wage-work,  260. 
wandering  fires,  300. 
warded,  25(3. 
wattles,  299. 
Westminster  Abbey,  297. 


White  Horse,  290,  293,  300. 
Whitsuntide,  279. 
wilding,  280. 
wild  men,  286. 
wiliest,  308. 
windy  buffet,  285. 
windy  walls,  28.5. 
wolf-like  men,  254. 
wyvern,  300. 

yaflSngale,  307. 
yellow-sea,  284. 
Ygerne,  257. 
yield,  263. 
yore,  299. 
Yule,  282. 

zones,  300. 


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